Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

We all must acknowledge that health and safety is a primary factor and the authority must be congratulated that this prevailed. However, significant inconvenience is being caused. The Minister indicated in response to earlier questions that the system attempted to break down during a number of previous incidents. On receipt of the information that matters had been resolved, did the Minister request a double check? Did he receive assurances the system would be restored to full working order? What assurances can he give that, on resolution of the immediate problems, the system will withstand the pressures of time and the rigours of the workload?

Was a service contact involved in the installation of the system? This is a sophisticated system, which is almost foolproof. There are variations in the purchase contract, which relate to monitoring and ongoing service. Was that a factor in this incident? Was a service contract an option? If so, was it taken up? What action was taken following the first malfunction in the context of the service contract? Is it possible to provide a back-up system, given it would cost the same as the original system?

Notwithstanding the level of sophistication, technology can always malfunction. Has it been indicated to the Minister whether the system can protect itself? It is my understanding that the system is similar to that used in electronic voting in that such systems can be subject to intrusion. Is protection built into the system to ensure that its technology cannot be externally targeted?

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