34A.6 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5
Form 34A.6 is an Authorisation form required under the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5. It is used when a law enforcement body seeks court permission to carry out surveillance measures such as interception or covert observation.
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34A.6 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5
Form 34A.6 is an Authorisation form required under the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5. It is used when a law enforcement body seeks court permission to carry out surveillance measures such as interception or covert observation.
Risk Radar
- The most common mistake is filing the form after surveillance has already begun.
- Submitting after surveillance has started
- Leaving key details (e.g., duration) blank
- Incorrectly identifying the target
- Using the wrong court jurisdiction
Plain English
If the police or another authorised agency wants to spy on someone – for example, tap a phone or follow a suspect – they must fill out this form and get a judge’s sign‑off. The form tells the court why the surveillance is needed and what methods will be used.
Submission Date
- The authorisation must be obtained before any surveillance activity starts and must be filed as soon as practicable after the decision to surveil – typically within 48 hours.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
What this form is for
- • When you need a court authorisation for covert observation under the 2009 Act.
- • When the surveillance involves electronic interception of communications.
- • When the surveillance will exceed 24 hours or involve multiple locations.
- • When a Garda superintendent or higher authority requires judicial approval.
- • When you are not applying for a warrant under the Criminal Justice (Offences) Act 2006.
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard search warrant | Form 34A.1 | Used for physical searches, not surveillance | Verify the operation type first |
| Telephone interception order | Form 34A.4 | Specific to phone tapping only | Use only for telecom interception |
| Covert entry authorisation | Form 34A.7 | For hidden entry into premises | Ensure you need covert entry, not observation |
Deadline or filing window
The authorisation must be obtained before any surveillance activity starts and must be filed as soon as practicable after the decision to surveil – typically within 48 hours.
Before you submit
- • All target details are complete and accurate.
- • Surveillance method is clearly described.
- • Duration and locations are specified.
- • Supporting affidavit is attached.
- • Risk assessment annex is included if required.
- • Form is signed by the supervising officer.
- • Judge’s signature line is left blank for court completion.
- • Copy of the form is retained for internal records.
- • Correct court jurisdiction is selected.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a draft using the official template.
- 2Gather supporting documents (affidavit, risk assessment).
- 3Complete the form in full, checking for spelling errors.
- 4Obtain the supervising officer’s signature.
- 5Submit to the appropriate District or Circuit Court via e‑filing or in person.
- 6Obtain the court’s authorisation stamp or written order.
- 7File a copy with your department’s records.
Known limitations
- • Only applicable under the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5.
- • Does not cover overt surveillance that does not require a warrant.
- • Cannot be used for cross‑border surveillance without additional permissions.
- • Electronic submission may not be available in all courts.
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✦ Open in AI EditorCurrent Form Status
Form 34A.6 is currently active and has not been superseded. No major revisions have been announced in 2024.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
What changed or needs a fresh check
- • Check that the form header shows the latest year (2023/2024).
- • Confirm the court reference number field is present.
- • Verify the signature block includes space for a supervising officer and a judge.
- • Ensure any new risk‑assessment annexes are attached.
- • Review the instruction notes for any updated time‑limit guidance.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- Other Court Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 20/10/25
Downloads
34A.6 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5
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After you file
- • Receive the court’s authorisation and note the expiry date.
- • Distribute the authorised copy to all operational teams.
- • Log the surveillance activity against the authorisation reference.
- • Monitor compliance with the stated duration and methods.
- • Report any deviations to the supervising officer and the court.
Source and verification log
- • Form title and number from Courts Service catalogue.
- • Reference to Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5 – not verified in official source.
- • Typical submission venues (court, e‑filing) – inferred from standard Courts Service practice.
- • Risk of post‑surveillance filing – logical inference, not confirmed.
- • No official updates found for 2024 – marked as not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
6 things to watch for
- 1
Mixing up Form 34A.6 with the standard search warrant (Form 34A.1).
- 2
Leaving the ‘duration of surveillance’ field blank.
- 3
Submitting to the wrong court level (District vs Circuit).
- 4
Failing to attach the required risk‑assessment annex.
- 5
Using an outdated paper template instead of the latest version.
- 6
Unclear whether electronic interception needs a separate form.
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