Concerns over new laws on bugging; Fears of a surge in requests to intercept online communications

The State’s human rights watchdog has expressed concerns over Government proposals to reform Ireland’s bugging laws.

Legal experts and the State’s investment agency also warned that the proposals will lead to a surge in requests from domestic and foreign police and security agencies to intercept phone and electronic communications.

And investment chiefs in IDA Ireland said they were concerned about any “unintended consequences” that could have a “negative impact on Ireland as a location for investment”.