Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Telephone Records.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

610 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the Cabinet direction given in April 2002 ordering phone companies to retain the telephone call records of Irish citizens for three years; and his views on whether this instruction violates European law and the Constitution. [11410/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am satisfied that the directions issued by the then Minister for Public Enterprise on foot of a Government decision – S26983A, which were drafted in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, are compatible both with European law and the Constitution.