NI Policing Board: Report into PSNI surveillance not made public

Chief constable Jon Boutcher said the report is 'a starting position'

A police report on surveillance it carried out on journalists and lawyers has been provided to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

The report has not been made public despite calls from Amnesty International.

Alliance MLA and board member Nuala McAllister described it as "utterly vague" in detail.

The board has requested a follow-up report and its human rights' advisor will get to see additional information.

It said it has "encouraged" the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to provide assurances its actions were lawful and proportionate.

Reporters Barry McCaffrey (left) and Trevor Birney (right) have alleged that they were subject to covert surveillance

The report was requested months ago after revelations in the case involving reporters Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) is investigating claims they were subject to unlawful covert surveillance between 2011 and 2018, aimed at uncovering sources.

The board then asked the PSNI for details on how often surveillance takes place.

'A great disappointment'

Ms McAllister added: "We have been asking for this report for six months.

"It was a great disappointment.

"We know that we cannot be privy to all of the information, but we cannot be getting into a constant battle for information in order for us to carry out oversight."

Chief constable Jon Boutcher responded: "The report is a starting position to get the human rights' advisor in to look at the information.

"I do apologise for the frustration but we are getting there and access to the information is being given."

He said he had already met the human rights' advisor, John Wadham, on the issue.