Private investigation companies
Gerard Craughwell asks for a Justice Minister debate on alleged private investigators accessing property and social-welfare records for banks.
I ask the Leader to amend the Order of Business to bring the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House to discuss the practices of companies registered as private investigation companies. Last night I was contacted by a citizen and I am absolutely appalled by what I learned which is backed up by evidence. It is absolutely outrageous that there are companies employed by the pillar banks that are breaking into people's private property, accessing social welfare records and putting that information into the public domain. I heard this on radio once or twice, but now I know that these banks are hiring thugs - not reputable private investigation companies - who are climbing over people's back walls and filming and photographing them in their houses and bedrooms. These thugs will threaten people and access private social protection records, which are criminal offences. These companies are supposed to be registered. If that is the behaviour being engaged in, the Private Security Authority is falling down in its duties. This is a matter that needs urgent attention. We have innocent citizens trying to negotiate with their banks who are being threatened and intimidated by these thugs. I ask that we have the Minister come here today at some stage to discuss this matter. I will not ask for it to be the first item on the agenda, but I ask that we have the Minister here at some stage.