Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations equipped for the video recording of interviews with suspects; the percentage of all stations this represents; the number of Garda stations with detention facilities that are so equipped; if there are plans to equip further Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30607/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Garda authorities advise me that 131 Garda stations have audio/video-recording interview equipment out of a total of 703 Garda stations.

It was never the intention that all Garda stations would be equipped to carry out audio/video recording of interviews. Indeed, most Garda stations are not used for detention and 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.

Where a Garda station is not equipped with an audio/video system, a person to be interviewed in accordance with the Regulations will be taken to the nearest Garda station with such equipment. In this context, the Garda authorities have advised me that, in June 2005, a Garda survey indicated that 98.1% of interviews as specified in the Regulations were being recorded. Interviews are not recorded mainly because either the arrested person declines to have the interview recorded or the equipment is already in use or is otherwise unavailable.

With regard to future and additional requirements I am advised that the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with my Department, is finalising proposals for the provision of additional audio/video systems.