Official form guide
Form 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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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 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
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing the form after surveillance has already begun.
- 2Submitting after surveillance has started
- 3Leaving key details (e.g., duration) blank
- 4Incorrectly identifying the target
- 5Using 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
- Filing 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.
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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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Standard search warrant
Used for physical searches, not surveillance
✓ Verify the operation type first
Telephone interception order
Specific to phone tapping only
✓ Use only for telecom interception
Covert entry authorisation
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
- 1All target details are complete and accurate.
- 2Surveillance method is clearly described.
- 3Duration and locations are specified.
- 4Supporting affidavit is attached.
- 5Risk assessment annex is included if required.
- 6Form is signed by the supervising officer.
- 7Judge’s signature line is left blank for court completion.
- 8Copy of the form is retained for internal records.
- 9Correct 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
- 1Only applicable under the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5.
- 2Does not cover overt surveillance that does not require a warrant.
- 3Cannot be used for cross‑border surveillance without additional permissions.
- 4Electronic submission may not be available in all courts.
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.6 is currently active and has not been superseded. No major revisions have been announced in 2024.
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
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCReference to Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, Section 5not verified in official source.
- SRCTypical submission venues (court, e‑filing)inferred from standard Courts Service practice.
- SRCRisk of post‑surveillance filinglogical inference, not confirmed.
- SRCNo official updates found for 2024marked as not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 34A.6 with the standard search warrant (Form 34A.1).
Leaving the ‘duration of surveillance’ field blank.
Submitting to the wrong court level (District vs Circuit).
Failing to attach the required risk‑assessment annex.
Using an outdated paper template instead of the latest version.
Unclear whether electronic interception needs a separate form.
Source transparency
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