McAleese signs legislation to allow covert surveillance

POWERFUL surveillance legislation has been signed into law by President Mary McAleese.

The Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 provides a legal basis for surveillance activity by state agencies and the possible use of that information as evidence in court prosecutions.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said the act gave gardaí, the defence forces and the Revenue Commissioners the legal right “for the first time” to conduct covert surveillance.