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

It is essential that we get to the point where gardaí have access not only to PULSE but to broader mobile technology solutions. It is essential. I have seen in other countries how police can access a whole range of information on their mobile phones. We must get to that point here. I knew when I became Minister that we needed this new investment. That is there and the issue is one of the priorities for the coming year. It is a priority under the Garda Síochána modernisation and renewal programme to which the Deputy referred as it must be because that is the shape of effective 21st century policing. Our gardaí must have access to the information they need in a speedy and efficient way.

I will try to get a detailed note on this for the Deputy and communicate directly with him as to the precise plans for the roll out in 2017. I agree with him that this has to be a priority area. It has been identified. I am very happy to share with him the precise detail of what is happening. I will ask the Garda Commissioner for a report on the progress being made and the targets for the next year.

See this speech in context