Independent investigation into GSOC following access of journalists' phone records
Skip to main content
News

Independent investigation into GSOC following access of journalists' phone records

19/01/2016

Locations

Ireland

An independent investigation is to be carried out following a recent report that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) accessed the telephone records of three journalists without their knowledge or consent. Legislation introduced last year gave GSOC the same power as Garda superintendents to access phone and email records. Currently, there is criticism regarding the lack of clarity around the test that GSOC apply in deciding whether or not a matter is of national ...

An independent investigation is to be carried out following a recent report that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) accessed the telephone records of three journalists without their knowledge or consent. Legislation introduced last year gave GSOC the same power as Garda superintendents to access phone and email records. Currently, there is criticism regarding the lack of clarity around the test that GSOC apply in deciding whether or not a matter is of national security and merits such action, and criticism of the lack of independent oversight present in this process.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has initiated review of GSOC’s powers following the recent revelations. Click here for further information.