Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 2

Written Answers. - Wireless Telegraphy Act.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

11 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of electronic firms are offering devices for sale which are capable of intercepting classified radio or radio telephone conversations; if he intends to introduce any regulations to control the sale and use of such devices; if an amendment to the Wireless Telegraphy Act is contemplated; if he has details regarding the extent of the use of these devices for illegal purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Communications (Mr. Burke)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 22 May last. The reference is columns 2344 and 2345 of volume 398 of the Official Report for that day.

In addition to the offences mentioned in that reply, it is an offence under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts, 1926 to 1988, to possess, work, use, or instal apparatus for wireless telegraphy unless it is in accordance with a licence issued under those Acts. It is also an offence to sell or otherwise supply apparatus for wireless telegraphy to a person without a licence. In this regard the devices in question constitute wireless telegraphy apparatus. In these circumstances an amendment to the Wireless Telegraphy Acts is not necessary.

However, it must be said that devices designed to scan radio transmissions operate passively and cannot therefore be readily detected. As I have said before, radio communications systems are not secure systems and no amount of law will make them so. The discretion of the user is his or her best defence.

I have no information on the number of such devices in use for illegal purposes.