Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is nothing to suggest that this is widespread or current. In fact, the information I have seen very clearly indicates this relates to a particular case in 2016 and prior to that. In 2016, when this issue was raised, and my understanding is that this is potentially the same issue and the same case, a review was instigated. Mr. Justice Murray undertook to review the overall process that GSOC undertakes in relation to this matter. The recommendations from that suggested that there should be some changes related to the need for judicial discretion. Very soon after that, there was the Graham Dwyer case, which went to Europe. Once there was a ruling at a European level, the legislation under which GSOC operated ceased to be the legislation it worked by. Any time there was a request for phone records, it had to go through judicial operation, relying on other legislation. Since then, I brought in subsequent legislation in 2022 that has been enacted, which sets out very clearly the route requiring judicial discretion that GSOC must take. It must apply the rules that if this action is taken, it must be fair, balanced and in the public interest.

I am not aware of any number of incidents other than the one in 2016.

The review has already taken place and the law has already been changed. I have engaged with GSOC and it has assured me that it acts and has always acted in absolute accordance with the law. If somebody has different information, I would ask them to come forward but I do not have any such information. Nothing in the public domain has made it clear to me that there is anything else.

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