Michael Healy-Rae
Question:163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the bugging devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8553/14]
View answerWednesday, 19 February 2014
Questions (163)
Written answers
In my statement to the House on 11 February, 2014, I detailed the background to the investigation GSOC initiated and the outcome of that investigation. I summarised for the House the information furnished to me by GSOCs Chairman at our two hour meeting and that contained in the briefing note I received from GSOC and its public press release. I addressed the central issues of the “anomalies” or “potential threats” or “vulnerabilities” identified. I detailed to the House the conclusion reached by GSOC following on from that investigation and work undertaken by the security consultants who had undertaken the original security sweep in September 2013 and who had assisted GSOC in the investigation that took place.
Everything I told the House in that statement was based wholly, exclusively and accurately on the oral and written briefing given to me by the Chairperson of GSOC, and the press statement issued by GSOC. I recounted specifically, from both the Chairman’s meeting with me and the formal brief I received, the conclusion that there was no definitive evidence of any technical or electronic surveillance of GSOC offices. The Chairman informed the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions that GSOC had reached that very conclusion.
As the Deputy is aware it was agreed at Cabinet yesterday that a retired High Court Judge would be appointed to enquire into all matters of relevance to the initiation and outcome of the investigation commenced by GSOC. In addition, I will be appearing today before the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions and will answer any questions that arise.
Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 153.