asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the circumstances in which letters in transit may be opened by either the postal authorities or the Garda Síochána; the statutory or other authority therefor; and the number of occasions within the last year on which correspondence was interfered with on the order of the Minister for Justice or the Gardaí.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Opening of Letters.
82.
The circumstances in which letters in transit may be opened by the Post Office are set out in section 56 of the Post Office Act, 1908. In addition, the Post Office is empowered by the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956, to detain and forward to the Garda Síochána for examination letters suspected of contravening the provisions of that Act.
On the last part of the question, the Post Office acts in this regard only in obedience to Warrants issued under the hand and seal of the Minister for Justice. It has never been the practice to disclose information concerning such Warrants, and I do not propose to do so.