Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 697: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements which have been made with mobile phone companies by his Department and the Garda Síochána; the number of masts that have been erected on or at Garda stations, by county; the number of mobile telephones that have been issued to gardaí; and the details of the service supplied, with the value of the package to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34204/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Garda Síochána that there are currently 181 masts in use by O2. None of these masts is owned by O2. A breakdown by county is set out in the following table.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that there are 998 mobile phones on official issue within the Garda Síochána. There are no charges levied against these phones when calling within the 086 network or when calling Garda stations that are attached to the Government VPN.

With regard to the value of the package to the Garda Síochána, it is not possible to provide a definitive figure as some of the services provided under the terms of the agreement, such as calls within the 086 network and replacement masts, are provided free of charge to the Garda Síochána. Amounts relating to mobile usage for which charges apply are deducted from the gross fees paid to the Office of Public Works in accordance with the terms of the agreement with O2. I am advised by the Office of Public Works that since the agreement came into place in June 1997 up to the end of September 2004, an amount of €4.97 million has been offset against gross licences fees of €12.75 million due from O2 resulting in net receipts of €7.78 million.