Legislative Reviews

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1271)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the measures that her Department will implement to address issues relating to the retention of mobile phone data to ensure that the security services have all appropriate and effective means available to investigate serious crime in respect of national security or serious organised criminality; her views on whether there are legislative deficiencies to be addressed in view of a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19987/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have noted the judgment of the CJEU in relation to the Irish reference to the Court on data retention matters. The case has reverted to the Supreme Court  and officials in my Department will consider, together with the Attorney General’s Office, the judgment of the Supreme Court when the case is finalised.

In the meantime, my Department is developing proposals which will aim to support, to the greatest degree possible, the detection, investigation and prosecution of crime and the safeguarding of the security of the State.

I will bring the necessary legislative proposals to Government in due course.