Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that there are detailed guidelines governing the procedures and processes for the use of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) by An Garda Síochána which are set out in a comprehensive Code of Practice.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is policy not to comment on the specifics of the operation of the CHIS system as this would be contrary to the public interest. The longstanding policy is adopted for sound reasons of the security of the State, the protection of the lives and safety of individuals, and so as not to advantage those who would do harm by undermining the use of this important investigative technique by An Garda Síochána.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that An Garda Síochána published a policy document in 2022 in relation to the management and use of CHIS which is kept under periodic review. This document is available at www.garda.ie.

The operation of the CHIS system is subject to internal oversight by senior Garda management and to independent external oversight, exercised since 2010 through the appointment of a former judge as the Independent Oversight Authority for CHIS. It has not been the practice to publish their reports given the nature of the material dealt with.

I have no plans to make any changes to the system at this time.