Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The news of the data breach at INM is deeply alarming. Hundreds of thousands of emails may have been compromised. Nineteen individuals were singled out for data interrogation in October 2014 and, allegedly, it involved a hired firm conducting a trawl of electronic records of journalists and others at the company. They included investigative journalists and lawyers who had worked on the Moriarty tribunal. This data interrogation represents an attack on the privacy and safety of journalists and their sources. It undermines fundamentals of how members of the press go about their work in the public interest. We know also that a former chairperson of INM ordered the data interrogation, but we do not know his reasons for so doing. We do not know why the 19 individuals I cited were specifically targeted and certainly do not know why the bill for the data interrogation was paid by Blaydon Limited, a company based on the Isle of Man.

The ODCE, as the Taoiseach said, wants the courts to appoint inspectors to go into INM to conduct a full and proper investigation, which is correct and understandable. However, yesterday it emerged that Mr. Denis O'Brien was seeking a judicial review of the ODCE's request to appoint such inspectors by accusing it of leaking information on the data breach. The ODCE has been investigating the story for a whole year without any leak, but as soon as the affidavit arrived at INM premises there were numerous leaks. INM even reported on details of the affidavit. It appears that an attempt is being made to silence the ODCE.

There is no doubt that the office is up against it because of a lack of resources and support on the Taoiseach's watch and that of previous Governments. Currently, 35 staff and seven gardaí are assigned to the office. That gives a clear insight into the State's attitude to white collar crime and corporate enforcement. Companies should fear the ODCE and the consequences of data breaches or any other unethical action. The office should be properly resourced and empowered to ensure white collar crime is not only prosecuted but deterred. This jurisdiction has gained a reputation as being the Wild West when it comes to tax avoidance and the prevalence of white collar crime. If we are to shake this reputation, we need to take a stand here and now. The Taoiseach cannot stand by and allow the ODCE to be disrupted or silenced. He has a responsibility to support its work. Does the office have his full support? How does he plan to demonstrate that support in terms of the provision of adequate resources and staffing?

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