Written Answers. - British Intelligence Activities.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:
24
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the further representations made to, and responses received from, the British Government since 29 September 1999 in relation to the interception of Irish telecommunications by British intelligence.
[4392/00]
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:
81
Ms O'Sullivan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the discussions, if any, there have been with the British authorities regarding allegations of widespread and systematic interception of Irish telecommunications messages; if he has sought and received an undertaking that there is no blanket interception of messages; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4318/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 81 together.
Recent allegations that there has been widespread and systematic interception of Irish telecommunications have been raised with the British authorities on a number of occasions at both official and ministerial level. I refer Deputies to replies to previous questions on this subject answered on 29 September and 2 November last.
The ambassador in London has had three meetings to discuss these allegations with the most senior Foreign Office official responsible for defence and security matters. These took place on 26 July, 12 October and 10 January. The ambassador expressed the concern of the Government, the Oireachtas and the public at the allegations, and received considerable clarification of the legal regime under which interception of communications is carried out.
On 24 January, my predecessor as Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Andrews, met the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook MP, in Brussels to discuss this matter. The allegation of widespread interception was the single item on the agenda.
The Minister conveyed the concern of the Government and the Oireachtas. He asked for assurances that no blanket interception was taking place and that no interception was taking place for purely commercial reasons or reasons of economic advantage.
The Foreign Secretary said that, because of security considerations, it was British policy never to confirm or deny any specific allegation. However, huge misconceptions existed about the scope of British interception activity generally. The area was tightly regulated and was controlled by Ministers personally through issuing warrants in accordance with the criteria laid down by statute. The particular focus of interception was the threat of terrorism.
Following discussion between both Ministers on the scope of the Act, the Foreign Secretary said the Minister could be assured that there was no question of the law permitting indiscriminate interception.
In a statement to the press following the meeting, the Minister indicated that he had no reason to believe, on the basis of his discussions with the Foreign Secretary, that the allegations relating to blanket interception and to interception for commercial advantages were well founded.
