Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 5

Written Answers. - Confiscated Equipment.

Helen Keogh

Question:

26 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in respect of all equipment seized from illegal deflector groups, the day of such procedure, the persons from whom these seizures were made and the plans, if any, he has for the disposal of such equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23487/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Dukes)

There have been quite a number of occasions, going back to the early 1980s, when my Department seized equipment being used in connection with unlicensed deflector operations. Although in some cases names can be associated with the equipment, in other cases, the identity of the persons from whom it was seized remains unclear. Its actual ownership is even less clear, and given the illegal nature of these operations this is understandable.

However, our files disclose that search and seizure operations took place on the following dates and that wireless telegraphy apparatus of various types is in the possession of my Department as a result.

22 February 1984	Mallow, County Cork
27 April 1984	Keeper Hill, County Tipperary
1 June 1984	Keeper Hill, County Tipperary
20 September 1985	Athlone, County Westmeath
1 October 1985	Carrigaline, County Cork
28 November 1985	Monavullagh Mountains, County Waterford
28 November 1985	Galtee Mountains, County Tipperary
5 March 1987	Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford.
21 May 1987	Slieve Bloom, County Laois
2 March 1989	Lehanamore, County Cork

In addition, my Department is holding equipment which was voluntarily surrendered to Department officials in County Cork in June 1993.

I should say that under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1926-1988 it is an offence to possess apparatus for wireless telegraphy without a licence. It is because the equipment, referred to by the Deputy, was unlicensed that it was seized — under warrant for the District Court in each case.

All this equipment remains unlicensed and whatever is to be done with it I have no wish to create a situation whereby, if it were handed back, the recipient would immediately be liable for an offence relating to the possession of unlicensed wireless telegraphy apparatus.

I am taking legal advice on the question of the ultimate disposal of the equipment.