Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I have been advised by the Garda authorities there is a property store in each Garda district for the purpose of storing both property coming into the possession of the Garda Síochána and court exhibits. I am further advised that a new property and exhibits management system is being introduced in the Garda Síochána. The purpose of the system is to establish a property store in each Garda division with enhanced facilities to manage all property coming into the possession of the Garda Síochána in that division, with a small number of very specific exceptions, which may be required to be retained securely at local Garda stations.

The system is being introduced on a phased basis, with two pilot locations at Store Street and Athlone Garda stations now fully operational. The system is being extended with a new divisional store recently operational in Waterford for the Waterford-Kilkenny division and a further four locations are planned to be completed by the end of this year. The implementation is being overseen by a Garda implementation group.

Further locations are planned subject to the availability of resources and as suitable locations become available for use. In the interim, property coming into the possession of the Garda Síochána will continue to be handled in the manner prescribed in Garda procedures, which is subject to audit and inspection.

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