Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is the 13th time we have raised this issue in this Chamber. We have not been getting a whole lot of satisfaction. In January 2016, the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, announced a review of the Communications (Retention of Data) Act 2011 regarding information on journalists only. We pointed out that the review should be all-encompassing and should include the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993, as well as the 2011 Act, because all three Acts give State agencies the power to abuse the privacy of Irish citizens and not just journalists. The Tánaiste has said that the former Chief Justice, John L. Murray, has completed the report of this review. According to the Tánaiste, this report has been on her desk since 27 April last. When does she intend to publish the report? It seems that following the settlement of a High Court case involving a retired detective, the Garda brought the matter to the attention of the designated judge. Will the Minister tell us how soon after the High Court settlement this matter was referred to the judge? We met a garda who works in this area not so long ago. This individual, who was present when the designated judge came around in three separate years, told us that the manner in which this duty was carried out was a joke. The judge was given a cup of tea, asked to be given a look at this one and that one and said "have a good day, good luck". The system does not stand up to any scrutiny. It leaves a lot to be desired. It beggars belief that the Tánaiste is refusing to revisit it. We need to do things differently. The same assessment in England runs to 99 pages each year. Ours is just a rubber-stamping job.

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