An Garda Síochána requires the latest technologies and robust operational frameworks to fulfil its mission to keep communities safe and the State secure. The recording of designated telephone lines enables An Garda Síochána to maintain the highest standards of operational effectiveness, accountability and public safety.
An Garda Síochána launched a public consultation on a draft Code of Practice governing the recording of certain telephone calls to or from An Garda Síochána in July 2026. The Code related to the designation and recording of both emergency and non-emergency telephone lines operated by An Garda Síochána, including those within Regional Control Centres.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides the current legal framework for the use of various recording devices, including the recording of telephone calls. Part IV of the Act sets out the powers of the Commissioner to designate telephone lines, while Part VIII stipulates that a Code of Practice is required.
The aim of the Code of Practice is to provide further detail on the principles, procedures and safeguards governing the designation and recording of telephone calls to or from An Garda Síochána. This includes the processing, storage, retention and disclosure of recorded data, and the protection of individual rights.
The Code also aims to ensure that recordings are made only for the principal purposes as set out under the 2023 Act. These include the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences; safeguarding against and preventing threats to public security; and the protection of the security of the State.
It is this draft Code of Practice that An Garda Síochána sought input on from members of the public.
Engagement with relevant Government departments will take place alongside the public consultation.
In addition to seeking the views of the public the Garda Commissioner also sought views from the:
- Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
- Policing & Community Safety Authority
- Office of the Police Ombudsman - Fiosrú
- Data Protection Commission and
- Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Prior to the Code of Practice being issued in a Part 8 consultation process, a Human Rights Impact Assessment was conducted and a Data Protection Impact Assessment will also be conducted before the Code of Practice can be considered by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for publication as a Statutory Instrument.
Thank you for sharing your views
An Garda Síochána appreciates the public feedback provided on this draft Code of Practice.
Any personal data provided by respondents was processed under Article 6(1)(a) and Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Section 55(1)(b)(i) of the Data Protection Act 2018, as applicable. Any personal data provided will not be retained for longer than is strictly necessary for the purposes of any analysis or reviewing of the feedback results.
