The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has said today's Irish Times report suggesting the State plans legislation to retain electronic data such as phone records, emails and internet usage for up to four years, is misleading.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Mr McDowell said there were no Big Brother plans to retain any sort of information.
He said the Bill would require electronic communications providers to keep certain data, should it become necessary in the investigation of serious criminal offences.
He said that already in certain circumstances, Garda superintendents could apply to providers for information when investigating serious offences.
Mr McDowell also emphasised that the proposals to be included in the Bill have not yet been crystallised.
