Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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83. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the civil society and industry groups she has consulted or contacted on enhancing and updating the legislative framework regarding the lawful interception of communications and covert electronic surveillance to combat the threats from serious and organised crime and terrorism to date in 2016 and those she intends to meet in 2017 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38284/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, on 31 May this year I announced my intention to amend the legislative framework for lawful interception and covert surveillance in the context of the fight against organised crime and terrorism. The Government subsequently approved my proposals to draft a number of amendments to the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications (Regulation) Act 1993 and other associated legislation.

The decision to amend this legislation highlights the difficult balance to be struck between the need to preserve and protect the personal privacy of our citizens while also ensuring their safety and security. Officials in my Department are currently engaged in consultation with industry professionals and civil society organisations to ensure that we develop legislation that is not only robust and effective, but also proportionate in terms of its scope, and which is mindful of the legitimate concerns of those, including the industries, affected by it.

A number of consultation meetings have been held to date with industry interests, including Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Yahoo, and with civil society organisations, human rights groups and academics with expertise in this field, including the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Digital Rights Ireland. The experience and insights of all participants will inform the development of the proposed legislative amendments and I appreciate and value their input. Further consultations with other interested stakeholders may take place in 2017, but the details have yet to be determined. Any eventual amendments proposed will be subject to the normal legislative process in this House.