The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has criticised the decision to restrict a review of phone snooping powers to their use in relation to journalists instead of including all members of the public.

Michael Clifford recommends a data access system similar to the UK, with notice to affected parties

The Commission of Inquiry into illegal phone taping at Garda stations is set to be given an extended deadline.

German prosecutors have closed their investigation into the alleged tapping of chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone by the US National Security Agency, saying they have been unable to find evidence that would stand up in court.

Rebekah Brooks discussed paying £200,000 (€241,000) a year to PR guru Max Clifford to back out of a civil case, the hacking trial was told.