GSOC journalists’ phone access report
Jim O’Callaghan asks why the John Murray report on journalist phone access has not been published. The Taoiseach says he will have to ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to contact the Deputy.
The Government, on page 100 of the programme for Government, commits to extending Garda oversight and accountability. One of the important elements of Garda oversight and accountability is the legislation regulating when journalists' telephones can be accessed by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC. Some 15 months ago, the Government asked retired chief justice, Mr. John Murray, to produce a report on this matter. The report was delivered to the Minister for Justice and Equality five months ago. Why has it not been published to date and when will it be published?