Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

1224 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will outline the approval process necessary for a telephone tap to be placed on the phone of a private individual; and if he has satisfied himself that there is sufficient protection against unjustified invasion of a person's privacy. [20964/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The interception of telecommunications is governed by the provisions of the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993. This statute sets out, inter alia, the conditions justifying interception and the processes by which applications for authorisations may be made and granted.

The 1993 Act also provides for judicial over sight of interception arrangements, and the relevant High Court judge has consistently confirmed in reports made available to the Oireachtas that the interceptions that have taken place have been in accordance with the Act.