Mr. Mark Toland:

The Garda has a difficult challenge because PULSE is an available system but there are other areas where there is no system. The dilemma is does one invest money on a new crime investigation and management system when one does not have a national call recording system. The Garda has decided to invest heavily in a call-recording system and is looking at a system where they can manage resources more effectively. Those are good systems in operation in any modern police service.

The decision has been taken to improve PULSE. Some tremendous improvements have been made. As I stated in my opening statement, the Garda has been able to use what it has in a far more efficient way.

One issue we found in crime investigation was the Garda was not using the technology it had to its full capacity. Some minor changes and use of that technology would make it far more efficient. We have recommended a new crime investigation system. The Garda will try to upgrade PULSE to deliver that system. It will introduce a new major crime investigation system. If there is a homicide or kidnapping, the Garda will bring in new technology that will allow it to put statements on the system and be able to search words to manage serious investigations.

PULSE is here to stay for the immediate future. Obviously, from what has been done recently, the Garda can make changes to make it a far better and more robust system.