Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I agree. Ultimately, if someone is in breach of a court order, the Garda can arrest the person but clearly there must be evidence. That goes without saying. Reference was made to investment within the justice system.

It is very clear that having a fit for purpose computer system for An Garda Síochána is a clear imperative for presenting information in a courtroom. I have seen PULSE and it is archaic, old-fashioned, horrifically out of date and difficult to use. I have been given a couple of examples of it while visiting stations in my capacity as a Member of the Oireachtas. Modernising this system is an essential component of any functioning justice system. Much money has been put into it and €40 million has been identified as a required investment. Knowing how computer systems are developed, it will cost more to implement it nationally, but it will be money well spent, particularly if we have terminals in courtrooms where a member of An Garda Síochána can simply pull up information if required to do so.

One of the witnesses made a point on investment in the Judiciary. Not only do we have new courts, but yesterday six new judges were appointed. There is no question that addressing the deficiencies in the overall system is a priority now that we can afford to do so in a meaningful way. I certainly welcome the input of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and I have read its report. I ask the witnesses to forgive me for missing their oral submissions, but I was Acting Chairman of the Dáil at the time. It is an interesting subject matter and I appreciate their contributions.