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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 28 Feb 1974

Vol. 270 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Surveillance.

119.

asked the Minister for Justice the number of people under surveillance by the Garda Síochána within the State.

I do not know what the Deputy may mean by "surveillance" but if he is referring to persons believed by the Garda to be engaged in subversive activities, I would not be prepared to disclose such information.

Could I ask the Minister if there are people under surveillance other than those who are suspected of subversive activities?

I do not know what the Deputy means by surveillance but so far as the gardaí are on duty, they are on duty in this Chamber at the moment and, literally speaking we are under surveillance.

If a person arrives from a foreign country who has been engaged in certain publicity-making activities and is staying here for a short period, can the situation arise that his every movement will be recorded in case he engages in anything that is contrary to the law?

The amount of observation or surveillance which the Garda would provide in the case of any individual would be a matter for them and I could not give a generalised answer as to what they do. I have to rely on their discretion.

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