asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the extra safeguards, if any, which have been introduced in respect of the issuing and effecting of warrants for the interception of telephone calls and letters, in light of the fact that he also holds the post of Minister for Communications.
Written Answers. - Communications Safeguards.
46.
No additional safeguards have been introduced in the light of the fact referred to in the question for the simple reason that none is necessary. Any suggestion that they are is based on a misunderstanding of the role of the Minister for Communications in the matter. The sole involvement of a holder of that office has been to give a general direction under section 110 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, to Bord Telecom and An Post to act in obedience to warrants issued by the Minister for Justice. That direction was given in 1984, when the office was held by the Deputy.