Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1963

Vol. 202 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disclosure of Police Information to Journalists.

50.

Mr. Ryan

asked the Minister for Justice whether he or any other authorised person has made any order under the Official Secrets Act making it an offence for a member of the Garda to disclose information to journalists or other persons who have been accustomed to receive news of public interest from such sources; and if, having regard to the public uneasiness caused by recent statements that news was to be withheld from the press, he will ensure that the relations which have hitherto existed between the Garda and the press are maintained.

51.

Mr. M.J. O'Higgins

asked the Minister for Justice if it is correct, as reported recently, that a circular was issued by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána to chief superintendents in all divisions forbidding all members of the Garda from giving information to the press, except with permission of the authorities, and stating that the giving of such information would be treated as a breach of the Official Secrets Act; and, if so, if he will state the precise terms of the circular and make copies available to Members.

Mr. Haughey

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.

The newspaper reports in question are not correct. No circular was issued by the Commissioner on the matter. A circular was issued in the Dublin Metropolitan Division to officers in that Division relating to unauthorised disclosures of confidential information, especially information relating to criminal investigations the publication of which would hamper further police inquiries.

There are in existence arrangements whereby information is regularly released to the press by the Gardaí. These facilities are widely availed of and are in no way affected by the recent circular.