Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

It is not possible to provide a definitive figure of its value as some of the services provided under the terms of the agreement, such as calls within the 086 network and replacement masts, are provided free of charge to the Garda Síochána. Amounts relating to mobile usage for which charges apply are deducted from the gross fees paid to the Office of Public Works in accordance with the terms of the agreement, a netting agreement. I am advised by the Office of Public Works that from June 1997 to 31 March 2005, an amount of €5.75 million has been offset against gross licence fees of €13.8 million resulting in net receipts of €8.05 million.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 998 mobile phones have been made available under the agreement and on official issue within the Garda Síochána. I am advised by the Garda authorities that they employ a variety of secure communications technologies to meet different operational demands and that while mobile phones provide some level of security they are not in the same category as the other secure communications technologies employed by them.

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