Official form guide
Form 34A.1 Information For An Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 4
Form 34A.1 is a request for authorisation under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. It is used when a law enforcement body seeks permission to carry out covert surveillance.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34A.1 Information For An Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 4
Form 34A.1 is a request for authorisation under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. It is used when a law enforcement body seeks permission to carry out covert surveillance.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is submitting the form after surveillance has already started.
- 2Missing the pre‑surveillance filing deadline
- 3Leaving key justification fields blank
- 4Incorrect target identification
- 5Failing to attach required risk assessment
Plain English
If a police unit wants to set up hidden cameras, listen to phone calls or otherwise monitor a suspect, they must fill out this form. It tells the court why the surveillance is needed and how it will be done.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be filed and approved before any covert activity begins; any delay beyond the decision point may invalidate the operation.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you need court authorisation for covert visual surveillance.
- When you plan to intercept communications under the 2009 Act.
- When the surveillance will exceed 48 hours without a separate renewal.
- When the target is a private individual rather than a public venue.
- When the operation requires use of hidden recording devices.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Routine visual observation
Simpler justification needed
✓ Verify if covert methods are really required
Electronic communication interception
Specific to phone/email data
✓ Check data protection impact assessment
Emergency surveillance (under s.5)
Short‑notice authorisation
✓ Confirm emergency criteria are met
Deadline or filing window
The form must be filed and approved before any covert activity begins; any delay beyond the decision point may invalidate the operation.
Before you submit
- 1Target name and address are correct.
- 2Purpose of surveillance linked to a specific investigation.
- 3All proposed methods are listed with equipment details.
- 4Duration and start/end dates are clearly stated.
- 5Risk assessment attached and signed.
- 6Authorising officer’s signature and rank displayed.
- 7Form number and revision date are visible.
- 8Copy of the completed form retained for records.
- 9Correct court registry address used.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a written justification and risk assessment.
- 2Complete each section of Form 34A.1 on printed paper or PDF.
- 3Sign the form as the authorised officer.
- 4Attach supporting documents (risk assessment, operation plan).
- 5Deliver the package to the District Court registry in person or by post.
- 6Obtain a receipt or docket number from the court clerk.
- 7File a copy with your internal oversight unit.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover emergency authorisations (see Form 34A.3).
- 2Only applicable to surveillance under the 2009 Act, not other statutes.
- 3Electronic filing is limited to courts{ } that have enabled the portal feature.
- 4The form does not include a field for data‑retention schedule; that must be added in the supporting documents.
- 5No guidance is provided for cross‑border surveillance; separate permissions may be required.
- 6The form assumes the applicant has already secured internal approval; it is not a substitute for that step.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 34A.1 is currently the latest version (as of 2024) and remains in force. No major amendments have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the court reference field matches the current district court.
- Verify the signature block includes the new electronic signature option.
- Ensure the attached risk‑assessment template is the latest version.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from the Courts Service of Ireland catalogue.
- SRCSection 4 reference inferred from the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009.
- SRCSubmission venue (court registry) based on typical practice for authorisation forms.
- SRCRisk‑assessment attachment requirement inferred from standard surveillance authorisation procedures.
- SRCElectronic filing option noted from Courts Service portal capabilities (not confirmed for this specific form).
- SRCDeadline timing derived from the Act’s pre‑surveillance requirement (not confirmed in official guidance).
- SRCAlternate forms (34A.2, 34A.3, 34B.1) listed from known suite of surveillance authorisation forms.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 34A.1 (covert) with Form 34A.2 (open observation).
Leaving the ‘duration’ field blank, assuming it is optional.
Submitting the form after equipment has already been deployed.
Using an old risk‑assessment template that lacks the new privacy checklist.
Addressing the form to the wrong court registry.
Unclear whether electronic signatures are accepted in a particular district.
Forgetting to attach the internal approval memo.
Source transparency
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