Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality
Priorities for Garda Inspectorate: Discussion
9:00 am
Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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Every time I ask a question of the current Garda Commissioner and Minister on technology, I get the reply that we are giving €30 million, or whatever, for improvements to the PULSE system. Clearly, PULSE is an out-dated system which one is constantly adding to but not actually addressing. Members of the Oireachtas would compare it with the system we use which is equally antiquated and ridiculous. However, it is there.
Are we flogging a dead horse, asking members of An Garda Síochána to actually use such a cumbersome and time-consuming system? I accept all systems for the recording of crime will be cumbersome, take time and officers will have to get over it. The blunt truth with regard to PULSE is that it is 30 years out of date. No amount of money will improve it unless it is replaced. What is Mr. Toland’s view on that?