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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Encryption Policy.

Question:

427 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action, if any, he has taken regarding legitimate access to encrypted material in electronic means of information transfer, including e-mail, for the purposes of law enforcement; if he has consulted with his colleagues in Government on the issue of encryption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21558/97]

With the approach of the global information society legitimate access for law enforcement purposes to encrypted material in electronic format will be critical in the investigation of crime and in protecting national security. The provision of this access must be incorporated into any general encryption policy which may be developed in Ireland. The development of such a policy raises many complex and diverse issues, responsibility for which spans a number of Government Departments.

The recent conclusions of the EU Telecommunications Council recognised the need at European level to consult other areas of the Council, including Justice and Home Affairs, in ensuring a co-ordinated approach in this area.

In developing this policy, there is a need to balance the needs of maintaining the confidentiality of electronic commerce with the legitimate requirements for law enforcement. This matter is being pursued in the context of the further development of policy in this area, both nationally and at European level. Particular aspects of the matter will also be considered by the inter-departmental committee on illegal and harmful use of the Internet.

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