Gardaí will keep accessing public’s private details

Gardaí will continue to access the private information of journalists and the general public “in certain circumstances” despite claims that this is “mass surveillance” and may breach EU law.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said the policy will continue in a limited form despite admitting the existing law governing the practice needed to be changed as a matter of urgency.

Speaking at a media briefing to launch legislation to replace the 2011 data access and retention act in response to the long-delayed Murray report, he said there were problems with the existing rules and that it posed “difficulties” when compared with sections of EU law.