The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025 provides for the retrospective use of biometric analysis by gardaí, which includes the retrospective searching of images in its possession. 

Biometric analysis does not seek to identify a person, but rather to find instances of an individual across relevant images or footage, where it is necessary and proportionate to utilise.

Separate legislation is being progressed to provide for both retrospective and live biometric identification.

Justice, home affairs and migration minister Jim O’Callaghan said: “I am committed to building stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising support to tackle crime.

“Providing gardaí with the technologies needed to deliver an effective policing service is central to that commitment.

“The technologies we intend to provide for under this legislation will allow gardaí to process vast amounts of footage and imagery much more efficiently than is currently the case.

“We know time is of the essence when gardaí are attempting to identify a perpetrator suspected of involvement in a serious crime or when tracking the movements of a missing person.

“Therefore it is critical that we remove the need to manually trawl through thousands of hours of footage, allowing them to pursue investigations more quickly which will hopefully lead to successful outcomes.”

Safeguards in the bill include a code of practice, which will be drafted by An Garda Síochána and subject to Oireachtas approval.

The use of biometric analysis will also be monitored on an ongoing basis by a High Court judge.

“This judge will have the power to access and inspect any official documents or records relating to the use of biometric analysis by An Garda Síochána,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“In turn, it is intended that this judge will furnish an annual report to the Taoiseach.”