Jim Higgins
Question:67 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the number of telephones in the State which are currently being tapped; if he will outline current Government policy on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Authorised Telephone Tapping.
As has been indicated to the House by my predecessors on several occasions, it has never been the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to disclose information regarding the number of warrants authorising the monitoring of telephone calls which are in force at any particular time. Warrants are issued only where this is necessary for security purposes, or for the prevention and detection of serious crime, information as to which could be got in no other way.