Written answers

Tuesday, 6 February 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Operations

10:00 am

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 208: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the tetra communications system to come on-line and be available to An Garda Síochána for use; the amount he anticipates it will cost including the initial contract costs and periodic running costs thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3434/07]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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. The preferred bidder and the relevant Departments and Agencies have commenced work on a Service Performance Evaluation (SPE) which involves the provision of a live working system covering a significant part of Dublin and surrounding areas. An Garda Síochána, as one of the principal 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. 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. With regard to the details on the contract costs and running costs requested by the deputy, I am not in a position at this stage to provide these at this stage. In the first instance these are matters which will be subject to contract negotiation between the preferred bidder and the Department of Finance over the coming months. In addition, decisions by the Garda Authorities on the number of radio devices and the nature of the services availed of will also determine the overall cost for the Force.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.