Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, there is a judicial oversight mechanism at the moment. Within the Garda Síochána there is decision-making at the highest management level on this type of action. Currently, serious monitoring and decision-making is in place for the very reason the Deputy outlined - to ensure a balance and that decisions that are taken are absolutely valid and are only taken when there is a threat to the security of the State.

I take the Deputy's point but I am not sure that further oversight mechanisms could be put in place. Clearly, however, this legislation needs to be kept under review all the time. The Deputy is correct that, because of the changes in information technology, including digital systems, the Internet and new communication methods, it is imperative the criminal justice legislation stays up to date.

Yesterday in the Dáil, I informed the Deputy that the acting Garda Commissioner is reviewing the approach of An Garda Síochána to this area. She is making some strategic decisions about a realignment of resources so that the Garda will be in a position to respond effectively to cybercrime in the digital era. Crimes against children, including child pornography, are often a key feature of cybercrime.