Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

136. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 12 December 2017, the progress he has made regarding the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2017; if his attention has been drawn to the outcome of a recent High Court case (details supplied) regarding the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52290/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government approved the revision of existing data retention legislation to take account of evolving ECJ jurisprudence in this area in October 2017.

Drafting of the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2018 is well advanced and I would expect to publish the Bill in early 2019.  

I am aware of the recent High Court case to which the Deputy refers. The judgment will be examined by my Department and by the Garda authorities in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General to identify the important points arising and to inform the work that is currently being finalised on reform of the law in this area.