Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 5, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following:

"(3) An authorisation or approval under this Act may not be issued or granted in respect of an activity that would constitute an interception within the meaning of the Act of 1993.".

This amendment makes clear that an authorisation or approval under this Act may not be given in respect of an activity that would constitute an interception within the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993, which provides for interception of telecommunications by ministerial order. The amendment, in effect, puts beyond doubt the fact that the surveillance legislation may not be used for the purpose of interception, as envisaged by the 1993 Act.

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