Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 562: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the hand-held device supplied by a company (details supplied); the number of these devices which were purchased; and the number which are currently being used; if an evaluation has been done on the effectiveness of the system. [6897/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Following a public procurement tendering process, a total of 493 hand-held devices were purchased by the Garda Síochána at a cost of €2,613.00 each plus VAT. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a small number are used for training purposes and the balance are assigned for operational use.

It is planned to carry out a post-implementation review of the entire system, including the hand-held devices in question, later this year after the system is fully rolled out. Notwithstanding that, I am assured by the Garda Síochána that the hand-held devices have met the requirements as set out in the original procurement process and have been used successfully since June 2004.

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence from a company (details supplied). [6898/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am assured by the Garda Síochána that the hand-held device being provided under contract awarded pursuant to a public procurement tendering process meets the requirements set out in that tendering process.

It is a matter for the Garda Síochána to review its requirements with regard to any additional or enhanced technological supports needed to carry out its duties effectively. If on the basis of such reviews, additional or enhanced technologies outside that provided under the existing contract for hand-held devices are required, I will consider any such proposals from the Garda authorities. Should a decision be made to proceed with the acquisition of new systems, it will be subject to public procurement procedures.