Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 339: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has signed the contract for provision of digital radio communication equipment for members of the Garda; when such equipment will be made available to members of the Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1927/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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On 18 January 2007, Tetra Ireland Limited was selected by the Department of Finance as the preferred bidder for the provision of the National Digital Radio Services. This is a key milestone in the plan to provide a secure digital radio service for emergency services, including An Garda Síochána and other non-commercial public bodies.

The preferred bidder will now work with the relevant Departments and Agencies to complete a Service Performance Evaluation (SPE). This will involve the provision of a live working system covering a significant geographical area in the Dublin and surrounding areas. An Garda Síochána, as one of the principle users of the service, will play a major role in the evaluation and testing of the network and equipment . The SPE will enable the preferred bidder, Tetra Ireland, to demonstrate that it can deliver all the aspects of the system and provide a fully working solution that meets all of the requirements of an emergency services network.

The SPE will be completed within a six month timeframe. In parallel with the SPE, the Department of Finance will conduct contract negotiations with the preferred bidder and, subject to satisfactory completion of these negotiations and a successful outcome of the SPE, a contract for the provision of the nationwide services will be signed by that Department. National roll-out will commence immediately thereafter. It is planned to be fully completed within a two year timeframe.