Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations that are equipped with broadband; the number of Garda stations that are equipped with e-mail facilities; if e-mail facilities are restricted to use by a certain rank of Garda; if so, the rank and the reason the restriction applies; if there are plans to introduce broadband and e-mail facilities to all stations and ranks in view of the usefulness of such services in transmitting digital images, scanned documents and so on; if his Department has considered the status of broadband access and e-mail use in other European police services when considering its position on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12846/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Wide Area Network (WAN) is used to deliver access to the Garda Information System (GIS) which includes, inter alia, access to PULSE, the Garda National Immigration Bureau Systems and Email. The Garda WAN provides network performance levels equivalent to that available via broadband service providers and where the extension of the Garda WAN to specific stations is not economically viable, broadband technology (where this is available) is utilised by the Garda Authorities. Access to the GIS is currently available in over 320 locations.

All Gardaí have access to internal email facilities via the GIS. Access to external email is available to all Gardaí from the rank of Inspector upwards. External email is also made available to Sergeants, Gardaí and civilian staff as operational needs require. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that a pilot exercise is currently underway to assess how best to maximise the use and facilities of email by the Force.

An Garda Síochána constantly monitor developments in policing methods in jurisdictions across the EU through their involvement in peer group meetings and international policing organisations.