Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations which have working video recording interrogation or interview facilities; the number of such suites per station; the number of such suites which will be fitted out at the end of the tendering process on the supply and fitting of such equipment; the details of this tender; and the previous tender for supply of same. [15741/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are 228 interview rooms in 131 Garda stations that have video interview recording facilities. The number of interview rooms per station varies between one and four units. Apart from a very small number of rooms that were fitted out prior to June 2000, the equipment has been drawn down from a contract put in place in April 2001.

With regard to future and additional requirements I am advised that the Garda Commissioner is proceeding to prepare a tender for issue to the market for the provision of additional audio video systems.

It should be noted that it was never the intention that all Garda stations would be equipped to carry out audio/video recording of interviews. Rather the intention was that a sufficient number of interview rooms in Garda stations across the country be equipped to provide a broad nationwide coverage.