Olivia O'Kane

Ms O’Kane, a partner at DWF, has prepared detailed submissions for the NUJ on the impact of surveillance on the ability of journalists to carry out their functions.

Today is the third day of hearings by the IPT into the cases of investigative reporters Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who produced the groundbreaking documentary No Stone Unturned about the 1994 Loughinisland massacre.

The IPT has previously accepted an application by NUJ member Vincent Kearney and the BBC to be joined in the case.

NUJ assistant general secretary Séamus Dooley, who is attending the hearing in London today, said: “We are now seeking the right to present evidence to the IPT about the impact of surveillance.

“Even when the people under surveillance are not journalists, if they are in regular contact with journalists and are being monitored, that is equally disturbing.

“The NUJ fully supports the actions of the journalists and have been represented at the previous hearings, as have the International Federation of Journalists, Amnesty International and the Committee for the Administration of Justice.

“The decision to lodge this application is a response to the serious revelations which have caused such grave concern to our members.”

He added: “We also welcome the appointment of Angus McCullough KC to conduct an independent review of the force’s alleged use of surveillance against journalists, lawyers, police regulators and NGOs.

“That is a process separate from this IPT hearing and is a very welcome development.”