Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the proposed updating of garda patrol cars and the proposed new Garda internal communications network (details supplied). [29697/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the preparation of a request for tender documentation for a new national digital radio system is at an advanced stage. It is expected that tender documentation will issue to the marketplace in a matter of weeks. I will provide a detailed answer to a priority question on Thursday, 20 October 2005 with regard to this matter.

I am further informed that the updating of Garda patrol cars is an ongoing process. The fleet is continuously reviewed and updated to ensure the safest and most suitable vehicles, in terms of performance, accommodation and equipment fitted to these vehicles, is purchased to enable Garda members perform their duties. Funds are provided annually to purchase and fit out Garda vehicles and cognisance is taken of the views of Garda members as well as having regard to the costings involved, when purchasing vehicles for the Garda fleet.