Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Just in case there is any doubt arising from what the Deputy said in respect of emergency services - we can also talk about other services and interested groups - my Department has briefed all the emergency services on this project. The code will be available to all emergency services at whatever stage their systems are ready to exploit it.

The national ambulance service is already constructing a new computer-aided dispatch system to use Eircodes. This will be deployed in its new state-of-the-art national call centre this year. The national ambulance service has welcomed the introduction of Eircodes as they will facilitate the speedier deployment of their services.

There has been extensive consultation across the board concerning Eircodes. The inputs that people had an opportunity to give were very much taken on board. In an earlier question, which we can certainly revisit, I dealt with the issue of data protection and the interest that the Data Protection Commissioner has taken in this matter. Those concerns have been addressed comprehensively. There will be a short Bill before the Houses prior to the implementation of Eircodes in the summer.

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