Drop in covert surveillance of threats to the State by security forces

Covert bugging devices have played a key role in high-profile investigations, including the failed prosecution of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch in his trial for the Regency Hotel murders. File picture

A total of 25 covert bugging devices were deployed against organised crime gangs and people posing a threat to the security of the State in the year ending July 2023, according to new figures.

The Revenue Commissioners used the spying power once in that year — the first time the agency has availed of the provision, which is traditionally used by An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.