Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree fully with the Deputies that the Garda should make everything on PULSE fully available to GSOC which believes it should have such access for the purpose of investigations. I assure them that at this stage it is an aspect of co-operation and An Garda Síochána that is being fully catered for operationally. That is the reality. There were problems in this area for a variety of reasons and protocols were put in place. There definitely were difficulties in the past. The commission has confirmed to my Department that it is satisfied with the level of access to PULSE now being provided. As part of the processes involved, Garda training has been provided for GSOC personnel. If they need further training, it will be made accessible by the Garda or elsewhere. It is better to provide for GSOC access to PULSE within the general framework of co-operation between the Garda and GSOC which is specifically provided for in the 2005 Act.

From a general principle point of view; there has to be co-operation. I understand the Deputies are suggesting it should occur lower down in the system and that we should name PULSE. I think they will understand the difficulties to which giving access to a named information system would give rise. We are examining the ICT requirements of An Garda Síochána and PULSE needs to be developed having regard to crime management. Other technology is also needed, but PULSE will be changed and developed. If we were to name particular types of system within the ICT framework, each time it was changed we would need to change the legislation. I do not think that would be wise. The Deputies will understand naming a particular system such as this in legislation would give rise to many difficulties from a legislative point of view. The key point is that I have been assured by GSOC that it has full access to what it needs on PULSE. That is the operational position. Following the engagement that has taken place, the difficulties have been resolved.

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