BUGGING LAW TO HELP FIGHT GANGS.

Byline: By AINE HEGARTY Political Editor

THE Cabinet yesterday approved new laws to allow gardai to use evidence gathered by bugging gangland thugs to convict them in court. The draft legislation will give officers the power to break into cars, homes and other areas to place bugging devices. Justice Minister Dermot Ahern also revealed yesterday that he has ordered increased checkpoints and new measures to reduce the availability of handguns. Under the Covert Surveillance Bill, gardai or members of the Defence Forces will need the approval of a chief superintendent to carry out surveillance for up to 14 days. Longer periods must be approved by a judge. Mr Ahern said: "This is a vital piece of law to fight gangland crime." He added that he expected the Bill to become law before the summer. He also intends to publish legislation to set up the state's first DNA database.