I wish to advise the Deputy that there are considerable sensitivities around the provision of the information sought by him and that it is not the practice for obvious security reasons to reveal details of equipment in use by An Garda Síochána or other agencies of the State in the context of tackling serious crime, terrorism or protecting the security of the State.
What I can say is that there are statutory provisions in place governing the interception of communications and to regulate the use of surveillance equipment by An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Revenue Commissioners. The legislative basis for these activities is found in the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications (Regulation) Act 1993 and the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. Both Acts provide strict conditions and procedures where the carrying out of these functions are concerned. In addition the legislation is subject to judicial oversight and contains provision for redress for members of the public who believe that may have been the victim of improper use of the legislation.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there have been examples over the years where criminals and subversive groups have been in possession of sophisticated surveillance and counter surveillance equipment, either for criminal purposes or in an attempt to avoid detection by An Garda Síochána.
