Bruton sees no need for phone-tapping inquiry

THE Taoiseach said he remained to be convinced that there was need for a public inquiry into telephone-tapping.

Mr Bruton was replying to the Fianna Fail leader, Mr Bertie Ahern, who said that during the Easter recess a former Fine Gael Taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald, and a leading backbencher, Mr Jim Mitchell, had been taxing their minds on the issue.

He recalled that back in January 21st, 1983, the then leader of Fianna Fail (Mr Charles Haughey) had called for a judicial inquiry into telephone-tapping, and the FG-Labour government of the day had said it also believed that a commission should be set up.

He asked Mr Bruton if the Government would hold an inquiry, whether of a judicial nature or by way of a commission. He asked if it was the case that the matter was being "played around the country for some ulterior motive".

Mr Bruton said that a successful case had been taken by two journalists against the State. "Obviously, if there had not been a reasonable basis for that case, it would not have been successful, so clearly procedures obtaining at that time deserved to be remedied. And they have been remedied since then."

He believed it was important that those charged with responsibility for protecting the public should have a measure of discretion under proper control to gather information in the most effective way possible in order to prevent crime.

"I remain to be convinced that a public inquiry would serve any great purpose at a time when I think the public is very anxious that those whose job it is to prevent and detect crime should be able to do so - subject to proper controls - with the maximum freedom and the maximum resources.

Mr Ahern said that if the Taoiseach came to the conclusion that he should have an investigation, inquiry or commission he had his support.

"I would rather that he would talk to some of his backbenchers, who seem to think that somebody on this side of the House has something to worry about. As far as I am concerned, events of 15 years are long past, but if you believe that there is a necessity to investigate them further, go ahead, and you will have my support."

Mr Bruton said he had no reason to wish to inquire into the activities of past governments, including governments involving Mr Ahern's party.