Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 393: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans he has to address the problems which gardaí in Kerry are having with the lack of basic communications technology such as access to email, the Internet and functioning radio equipment. [11717/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there is access to e-mail for nominated members of the Garda Síochána where required and based upon operational needs. Access to the Internet is provided to authorised members of the force using the assigned information technology equipment within Garda stations.

The Garda Síochána is preparing an information and communications technology strategy for 2005 to 2009 which will determine the range and scope of technology and related services that will be provided to the organisation nationwide, including County Kerry, over that period. It can be expected that the further extension of e-mail services will be implemented as part of the strategy.

I have recently outlined my plans for the provision of a new national digital radio project for the force. This is a major project which will replace existing analogue radio systems.