GSOC welcomes the publication of Review of the Law on the Retention of and Access to Communications Data by the former Chief Justice, Mr. Justice John Murray

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission welcomes the publication today of the detailed Review of the Law on the Retention of and Access to Communications Data by the former Chief Justice, Mr. Justice John Murray.

This is an extensive report on an important area of the law which touches on the complexities of the right to privacy, the challenges of investigating wrongdoing, the protections in law under the Irish legislative framework and increasing European legal considerations.

GSOC especially notes the recognition of the shortcomings in the current legislative requirements and therefore particularly welcomes the proposals in the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2017.

GSOC looks forward to an informed debate on the provisions of the Bill and an early passage of this important piece of legislation into effect.

-ENDS-

Ciarán Kelly

GSOC

Communications & Research Unit