Is the Taoiseach at all concerned about the increasingly blatant political policing directed against those who challenge the austerity policies of the Government? First is the unprecedented situation where those who are due to be charged with serious criminal offences for their involvement in a protest find out through the media that is the case. This would appear to be a serious infringement of their right to privacy and an interference with the administration of justice. Does the Taoiseach think that is acceptable? Is he concerned about it?

Second is the denial of a collection permit to the Anti-Austerity Alliance by a chief superintendent on the grounds that the proceeds would be used to encourage the commission of an unlawful act, in particular because the chief superintendent in question, Orla McPartlin, believes, "That the proceeds of the collection would be used to facilitate protests sponsored by the Anti-Austerity Alliance." This could be straight out of the pages of 1984, whereby a party is not allowed to fund-raise because it might organise protests. With one act, the right to protest and the presumption of innocence have been unceremoniously thrown out of the window. Does the Taoiseach agree with that decision and does he think it is appropriate that a chief superintendent has the power to make such a decision?

Third, and most serious, are the revelations about what is reported as being called Operation Mizen, a secret Garda spying operation including the highest level of surveillance which is directed against water charges protestors, including myself. It is reportedly an information-gathering operation directed by the husband of the Garda Commissioner. The only basis on which to target these individuals seems to be the fact that they are water charges protestors. Does the Taoiseach consider that at all sinister? Is he or members of his Cabinet aware that the Garda unit is in operation? Was he consulted about its foundation or operation? Was any report made to the Department of Justice and Equality or the Government about the operations of the unit?

The day-to-day operations of the Garda are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The allocation of permits for collections or whatever are within the power of the chief superintendent or superintendents in any district. The issuing of summonses or charges is a matter for the Garda and if there are court cases involved it is not an area in which I can interfere in any way.

The Taoiseach will note that I did not ask about operations, the issuing of summonses or anything like that. I asked a very simple question about the leaking of that information. It is unprecedented that people - named individuals - discover in reports on RTE that they will be charged with false imprisonment. That is an outrageous infringement on their right to privacy and the administration of justice.

I want to press the Taoiseach on the question of Operation Mizen. If a Deputy is being spied upon by a secret group within the Garda, that is a very serious matter. If people are being spied upon because they are water charges protestors and exercising their democratic and constitutional right to assemble and protest, that is a serious matter. It is a very simple question. The Taoiseach can state that the day-to-day operations are in the hands of the Garda Commissioner. However, were he, the Government or the Minister for Justice and Equality, to his knowledge, aware of the foundation of the unit and how it operates? Have they received any reports from it? If, in Putin's Russia or elsewhere, opposition members were threatened with jail because of their involvement with protests and they and activists were spied upon and denied the right to fund-raise, there would be justifiable outrage in the media and this House. I would like answers on the question of Operation Mizen.

As I said, Deputy Murphy, the operational running of the Garda is a matter for the Commissioner. I would not have any knowledge of groups such as those the Deputy mentioned. I suggest he tables the question to the Minister for Justice and Equality and I am quite sure she will be happy to answer it for him.

What is your opinion?

Deputy Murphy is talking about spies, Deputy Higgins. Does he have evidence of a group that is-----

It is in the newspapers.

It must be right so.

You would know a few things about newspapers, especially local ones.

If he does he should table a question to the Minister for Justice and Equality and give her the information he has and I am quite sure she will be happy to respond to it.

I got a one line answer from her.