Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader to amend today's Order of Business, in order to bring the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House to discuss the practices of companies registered as private investigation companies. Last night I was contacted by a citizen and am absolutely appalled by what I learned. It is backed up by evidence. It is absolutely outrageous that there are companies employed by the pillar banks that are breaking into people's private property, accessing social welfare records and putting that information into the public domain. I heard this on the radio once or twice but now I know these banks are hiring thugs - not reputable private investigation companies - who are climbing over people's back walls, filming and photographing them in their houses and bedrooms. These thugs will threaten people and access private social protection records, which is a criminal offence.

These companies are supposed to be registered. If that is the sort of behaviour that is going on, the Private Security Authority is falling down in its duties. This is a matter that needs urgent attention. We have innocent citizens trying to negotiate with their banks who are being threatened and intimidated by these thugs. I ask that we get the Minister in here today at some stage to discuss this matter. I will not ask for it to be the first item on the agenda but I ask that we get the Minister in at some stage.