Legal doubts over spy law 'tilts balance in favour of criminals'

Figures released by the Department of Justice show a 63% drop in the use of powers by State agencies to access communication data. Picture: Pexels

Legal restrictions on the State’s power to access private communication data has “tilted the balance in favour of the criminal”, a former garda assistant commissioner has said.

Pat Leahy said it was “unsustainable” for the State to deliver its duty of care to its citizens if new legislation was not introduced.