Calls to tighten rules of Garda spying

The State’s human rights watchdog has recommended a tightening of the rules for Garda covert surveillance operations.

It also believes any new policing authority should have a role in regulating Garda spying.

The Irish Human Rights Commission has questioned whether current Garda legislation covers all surveillance techniques open to the force and if the issue of “inappropriate” spying by gardaí is properly addressed under the law.