Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 140: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures or protocols in place for ensuring that retired members of An Garda Síochána do not, in their employment, misuse privileged information accessible to them while serving in the force, or access information covered by data protection legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12251/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Section 62 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 was enacted for the purpose of specifically prohibiting a person who is or was a member of the Garda Síochána or of its civilian staff, from disclosing information obtained in the course of his or her duties. The section provides stiff penalties — fines up to €75,000 and/or up to 7 years imprisonment for conviction on indictment — for persons who contravene its provisions. In addition, former Gardaí are also governed by the provisions of the Official Secrets Act. At an operational level, I understand from the Garda Authorities that members, log-on accounts for the Garda Information System (PULSE/GNIB/FCPS) are disabled upon their retirement. This ensures that they cannot access any of the Garda IT systems.