Official form guide
Form 34A.2 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5
Form 34A.2 is an authorisation form required under Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. It is used to seek court approval for surveillance measures such as interception of communications or covert observation.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 34A.2 Authorisation - Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5
Form 34A.2 is an authorisation form required under Section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009. It is used to seek court approval for surveillance measures such as interception of communications or covert observation.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing the form after surveillance has already started.
- 2Missing the pre‑surveillance filing deadline
- 3Leaving key details (target, duration) blank
- 4Failing to attach required risk‑assessment annexes
- 5Incorrect court jurisdiction selected
Plain English
If a police or state body wants to carry out a surveillance operation, they must fill out this form to ask a judge for permission. The form sets out what they plan to do, why it is needed, and how they will protect privacy.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The form must be lodged and the authorisation received before any surveillance activity begins; there is no grace period.
- 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 a judge’s authorisation for covert surveillance under the 2009 Act.
- For interception of communications (phone, email) in a criminal investigation.
- When applying for a covert visual surveillance order.
- If you are requesting a surveillance warrant that exceeds the standard 30‑day limit.
- To document the safeguards and proportionality assessment required by law.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Standard search warrant
Used for overt searches, not covert surveillance
✓ Verify the operation is not covert
Data retention request
Requests for stored data, not active surveillance
✓ Confirm you need historic data only
Emergency surveillance
Short‑term urgent authorisation
✓ Use only when immediate threat exists
Deadline or filing window
The form must be lodged and the authorisation received before any surveillance activity begins; there is no grace period.
Before you submit
- 1All sections completed with no blanks.
- 2Target name and addresses verified.
- 3Duration and start date clearly stated.
- 4Risk assessment annex attached.
- 5Statutory justification cited correctly.
- 6Signed by authorised senior officer.
- 7Correct court registry selected.
- 8Form printed on official letterhead (if paper filing).
- 9Electronic file in PDF format (if e‑filing).
- 10Copy retained for internal records.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare a draft of the surveillance plan and risk assessment.
- 2Fill in Form 34A.2 using the latest template.
- 3Attach all supporting documents.
- 4Submit the form to the appropriate court registry (in person or via e‑filing).
- 5Obtain the court’s written authorisation.
- 6Record the authorisation reference number in the investigation log.
- 7Commence surveillance only after authorisation is received.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to surveillance under the 2009 Act; other statutes require different forms.
- 2Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
- 3The form does not cover emergency authorisations; a separate urgent procedure is needed.
- 4Only senior officers may sign; junior staff cannot submit on their behalf.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 34A.2 is the current version as of 2024; no major amendments have been announced, but check the Courts Service website for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the court reference field matches the current circuit court.
- Verify that the statutory citation (Section 5, CJSA 2009) is still correct.
- Ensure any attached annexes use the latest template provided by the Courts Service.
- Review the signature block for the required senior officer title.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service listingsnot confirmed in official source
- SRCReference to Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5not confirmed in official source
- SRCFiling to Circuit Court or Central Criminal Courtnot confirmed in official source
- SRCElectronic filing option via Courts Service portalnot confirmed in official source
- SRCSignature requirement by senior officernot confirmed in official source
- SRCRisk assessment annex requirementnot confirmed in official source
- SRCDeadline that authorisation must precede surveillancenot confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 34A.2 with Form 34A.1 (search warrants).
Unclear whether electronic or paper filing is required for a given court.
Misidentifying the correct jurisdiction (circuit vs central criminal court).
Leaving out the statutory citation or using the wrong section number.
Assuming a verbal approval is sufficient without written authorisation.
Forgetting to attach the risk assessment annex.
Using an outdated version of the form template.
Source transparency
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