Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy has a point. However, we are endeavouring in this legislation to clarify any confusion that exists in respect of search warrant applications in general.

Regardless of whether it pertains to organised gang crime or normal crime, if there is any indication, it is important that these are made in effect ex parte and in private to prevent information from leaking out and in order that no one is under suspicion. If they were made in public, I would hazard a guess that the information would get to the intended target quickly who then could destroy the evidence.