Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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166. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his Department officials have discussed the recent judgement in the United States of America, regarding the data collection programme exposed by a person (details supplied) who was not authorised by the Patriot Act, the implications of this judgement on the United States of America's diplomatic relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18880/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the decision by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the United States last Thursday regarding the use of section 215 of the Patriot Act to justify bulk domestic telephone data collection. It is now a matter for the US administration and Congress to address the issues raised by that Court decision. To that end, I note that the question of bulk data collection is currently under consideration by the US Congress, which will provide public representatives with an opportunity to debate this important issue.