316 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of requests received from the Garda authorities in each of the past five years for permission to place taps on the telephones of individuals believed to be involved in criminal activity; and the number of orders granted. [42163/08]

320 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications by the gardaí to tap telephone conversations in each of the past five years; the number granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42203/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 320 together.

The interception of telecommunications is governed by the provisions of the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act 1993. For sound security reasons, it is not the practice and it would be contrary to the public interest to disclose details of any requests or any authorisations to intercept, including their number.