Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 15: 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 he has made a decision on proposals submitted by the Garda for the provision of additional systems and fit out of further interview rooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41936/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that of the 167 Garda Stations which have detention facilities and custody arrangements for the questioning of suspects, some 131 are currently equipped for the video recording of interviews with suspects. This represents 78% of the Garda stations with detention facilities. Where a Garda station is not equipped with an audio/video system, a person to be interviewed in accordance with regulations is taken to the nearest Garda station with such equipment.

My Department recently approved Garda proposals for the provision of additional systems and fit-out of further interview rooms. I am advised by Garda authorities that a tender has been prepared and recently published in the EU Journal for provision of the equipment itself. The fit-out of the rooms will be undertaken in consultation with the Office of Public Works.

I am advised that the provision of additional rooms and equipment will enable An Garda Síochána to operate more effectively and will reduce the number of instances where persons have to be taken away from the investigating officer's home station to stations that have the equipment.