Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 38: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any member of Dáil or Seanad Éireann has or has had their telephones intercepted under the legislation in the past five years; if so, the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13037/07]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 126: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of communication interceptions made since the introduction of the legislation; if he will he provide the information listed on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13338/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 126 together.

The interception of telecommunications is governed by the provisions of the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993.

It is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of any authorisations to intercept, including their number. I am sure that, on reflection, the Deputy will appreciate that that practice, which has been followed by my predecessors, arises for sound security reasons and that it would be regrettable for anyone to seek to take advantage of that to make suggestions for which there is no basis.