Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand that there is a level of delicacy with this and that we must wait and see what emerges from the Supreme Court, but I am glad to hear that work is being done and preparations are being made to make some advance in this regard. It is a serious issue for many cases around the country and, indeed, for the Garda when it is trying to trace where people have been or what has happened in regard to serious crime. We are all aware of some cases historically in which this was not, perhaps, the evidence that led to convictions but it certainly put people in the places where gardaí were able to look at them in more detail and to prosecute the case in a way that secured a conviction. Some of them were very serious cases. The need to ensure that the Garda would have access to such records when appropriate, and that is the important point, is vital. We all know people have a right to privacy and a right to go about their daily business without the fear that some type of big brother is watching them. There is a balance to be struck here and the balance clearly has to take account of the rights of people to ensure they are safe in their communities. Having adequate legislation on this would be vital to ensure that happens.

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