17/04/2009

Undercover Surveillance Gets Boost

Covert intelligence gathering is likely to be easier to gather and use in court with news of a major Government initiative today.

The new Criminal Justice Surveillance Bill is to be published by the Minister for Justice and it provides, for the first time, a legal framework to allow covert surveillance material to be used in criminal trials.

The Bill enables Gardaí, the Defence Forces and officers of the Revenue Commissioners - customs and CAB offices - to carry out secret electronic surveillance and if necessary break in to plant bugs.

It is believed that this will enable them to gather information and intelligence on plans, movements, contacts and methods of operation of individuals and criminal gangs.

However, safeguards on the authorisation, duration and operation of covert surveillance have been built into the Bill, according to the Government.

The surveillance must be authorised by a judge except in limited emergency situations.

(BMcC/JM)

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