Brian Lenihan
Question:53 Mr. Lenihan asked the Minister for Justice the number of telephone interceptions which were approved in each of the years from 1994 to 1996. [5449/97]
Written Answers. - Telephone Interceptions.
It has not been the practice to publicise annual statistics relating to warrants authorised for the purpose of lawful interception of telecommunications. However, I propose to seek the views of the Garda and the Army authorities in the matter and thereafter, if appropriate, to consult the President of the High Court, who is the designated judge under section 8 of the 1993 Act, on the possibility of having such statistics included in his annual report to the Taoiseach on the operation of the Act. The judge's annual report is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with section 8 (7) of the 1993 Act.