Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 June 2023
145. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the means, if any, An Garda Síochána has to trace the origins of fraudulent text message-based scams; if the force has the power to request the names of customers who are engaging is such fraudulent practice from telecommunications providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29875/23]
View answerI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regretfully, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
Cyber-crimes can cause not only devastating financial problems but can also cause immense stress for the victims and their families. Every person in Ireland deserves to feel safe and to be safe when they conduct their personal business online or over the phone, and so the practice of trying to trick people out of their personal information or hard-earned money will not be tolerated.
Combatting and preventing fraud and related cybercrime falls under the remit of several Government Departments and agencies. There is close cooperation across the whole of Government on this issue, including between An Garda Síochána and the National Cyber Security Centre.
The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) - formerly known as the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, was established in 1995. Both the GNECB and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) continue to engage with telecommunications service providers regarding online scams and the identification of the persons involved in them.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for Garda investigations. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is however committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose, policing service. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for ongoing recruitment and investment in An Garda Síochána.
There has been a 21% increase in resourcing provided to GNECB since the end of 2020, up from 95 to a total of 115 at the end of March 2023. The GNECB is also providing training and support to all Garda Divisions in how to investigate fraud.
As you may be aware the Communications ‘Retention of Data’ Amendment Act 2022 commenced on the 26 June 2023. This allows the Garda authorities access subscriber details which will provide for the provision of ‘user data’ including the name and address of a subscriber as detailed under Schedule 2 of the Act.
I am advised that the Garda authorities can request this information from the Communications Service Provider on foot of an application from a designated Superintendent to assist with the investigation of an offence.
I am informed that data must be retained by the providers for a period of one year. However there is no requirement for the mandatory registration of the identity of a user of a mobile phone number in Ireland so in the case of prepaid numbers it is dependent on the customer registering the device.
I am also informed that An Garda Síochána are also aware that mobile numbers can be “spoofed” which could mean that the displayed number is not the actual calling number.
I urge anyone conducting sensitive or personal business online or over the phone to be very cautious when providing personal or banking information. Many of the financial institutions have excellent advice for customers on how to be safe online, as does the Citizens’ Information website.
I trust this information is of assistance.
