Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am, of course, aware in general terms of information which is in the public domain relating to the organisation named and which I understand to have been the subject of a public inquiry and also criminal prosecutions in the United Kingdom. Such a prosecution is still taking place and it would be entirely inappropriate for me to comment on matters which are the subject of proceedings, either civil or criminal, in another jurisdiction. If the Deputy has any information regarding unlawful activity in this jurisdiction, the appropriate course of action is for her to furnish that information to the Garda Síochána, which can then properly assess and act on it, as appropriate.

With regard to future legislation, a criminal justice Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme which will transpose EU Directive 2013/40/EU on attacks against information systems.

The Bill will create a range of offences to protect information systems and data from illegal access and interference. The definition of ‘information system’ in the directive is extremely wide and will encompass modern communications systems. The directive also provides for the liability of bodies corporate in relation to the offences created.

The Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and I hope to be in a position to publish it in the autumn.

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