131 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if he has asked the Law Reform Commission to consider the question of legislation to prevent computer crime; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the British Law Reform Commission has recently considered this topic and has made recommendations to their Government as a result of which legislation is being drafted.
Crimes involving the use of a computer, such as larceny or embezzlement, are punishable under the law applicable to the crimes concerned.
Under a Criminal Damage Bill which I expect to introduce in the near future it will be an offence to manipulate automated data without authority, whether or not in furtherance of criminal activity.
When experience has been gained of the operation of this provision the matters mentioned by the Deputy can be further considered.
