Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which up-to-date communications technology is available to the gardaí throughout the country; the areas deficient in this regard; his plans to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5274/05]

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

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, with the exception of the Garda national radio network and the public access call-box system, all communications systems in place are relatively modern and up to date. The currency of those systems is reviewed yearly and, subject to the appropriate funding being available, they are upgraded or enhanced as necessary and appropriate to the operational demand prevailing.

With regard to the national radio system, a pilot digital radio system covering the Dublin north central division and traffic section, Dublin Castle, has been completed by the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána prepared a detailed business case for the extension of the system nationwide. Following discussions between officials of my Department, the Garda Síochána and the Department of Finance on the technical and implementation options in the business case, it has been agreed that the procurement model to be adopted in respect of Garda requirements will be based on an "outsourced service provision" model, which will involve the bulk of the infrastructure being provided by the private sector with detailed service level arrangements in place with the Garda Síochána. That approach allows scope for participation by the other emergency services in future. In addition, funding for the Garda elements of the project has also been secured. A procurement group chaired by the Department of Finance and with representation from the Garda Síochána and my Department is now actively progressing the project.

In addition, it is planned to commence a national replacement of the public access call-box system during 2005.