Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 589: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the full operation of the PULSE system nationwide; the way in which this connects with other State computerised systems which track violations of road traffic legislation and motorist statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda Authorities that the PULSE system is now available in 207 Garda locations. This represents an expansion of the system to a further 26 locations from the previously quoted figure of 181. Further extensions of the system to non-networked locations is being examined as part of the Garda Síochána information and communications strategy 2005-09.

To streamline the input of data to PULSE, it is planned to set up a quality assurance and data input centre to assist in the entry and management of data in PULSE. The aim is to put in place a centralised processing centre to be operated primarily by civilian staff. As a first step, it is planned to run a pilot project over the coming months. The set-up of this centre and the extension plans for PULSE will have a major impact on the operation and accessibility of PULSE for members of the force.

The fixed charge processing system is the Garda IT system for processing fixed charge road traffic offences including the requirements for the penalty points systems. As part of the system, the Garda Síochána exchanges information electronically with the Courts Service for summons applications and court hearing dates; the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for the national driver file and the national vehicle file; a third party service provider for the printing and posting of fixed charge notices; a third party service provider engaged by the Department of Transport, for details of fixed charges that have been paid, who in turn forward this information to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for updating the national driver file with the penalty points data.

Towards the end of this year it is planned to coordinate the summons generated from the fixed charge processing system with summons for the same individual generated from PULSE and this will be of further benefit to the Courts Service.