asked the Minister for Justice how many people at present have their telephones tapped under warrants signed by him; and for what reasons these people have their telephones tapped.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tapping of Telephones.
191.
I consider that it would be contrary to the public interest to give the figures asked for and, like all my predecessors in office, I am not prepared to do so.
Each warrant is issued on the personal authority of the Minister, which is given only where the warrant is required for security purposes or for the prevention or detection of serious crime, information as to which could be got in no other way.
Is the Minister satisfied the practice is entirely in conformity with the Constitution?
Yes; I am quite satisfied.
I do not think everybody is.
It would be difficult to expect them.