Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made in respect of legislating for covert surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14392/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009 was published on 17th April 2009.

The Bill provides a statutory framework for surveillance by an Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and the Revenue Commissioners in their respective roles in combatting serious crime and protecting the State from subversive and terrorist threats.

Up to now surveillance has been used primarily as an intelligence gathering tool. Under the Bill material gathered under its provisions will be now capable of being used as evidence in criminal trials.