Seanad debates

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

2:35 pm

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader for a debate on the revelations that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, has been the victim of apparent surveillance. In the context of the story that first was broken in The Sunday Times last Sunday, it would be a good idea for Members to have a debate once they have a little more clarity as to what exactly has occurred. Certainly, it is a matter of grave concern that the agency that has been entrusted with the independent oversight of the Garda Síochána apparently has been subjected to surveillance. I understand the Minister is likely to give a statement to the Dáil this afternoon and that tomorrow, the three members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions here in Leinster House. While there may be greater clarity as to what occurred after those two developments, I seek a debate as soon as possible thereafter to address the critical question as to whether there was bugging of GSOC - if so, who authorised it or was it authorised, whether it was carried out unlawfully, and, if so, by whom?

There are other questions to which no doubt the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission will be asked to respond tomorrow concerning the reason it considered it wise not to report the matter to the Minister for Justice and Equality, but the critical question-----

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