Vol. 464 No. 4
52 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the circumstances regarding the theft of the mobile phones from two of his non-established staff; the steps, if any, that have been taken to ensure continued security regarding the stolen phones; whether the Garda authorities have been notified; if so, what prosecutions, if any, that have been taken or are pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8365/96]
The mobile phones in question were stolen from cars belonging to two members of staff on 30 January 1995 and 29 January 1996 respectively. In the first incident the car in which the mobile phone was installed was broken into. The mobile telephione and other personal items were stolen. In the second incident, the car itself was stolen and when later recovered, the mobile phone was missing.
In both cases, the Garda and the Department were immediately alerted. The Eircell connections were cancelled and no subsequent charges arose in respect of the usage of the phones. No prosecutions have resulted or are pending in either case. Staff members have been advised that they should not leave phones in unattended cars and that they should take precautions to ensure the security of mobile phones issued to them.
