Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that all members who have access to the Garda Information System (GIS) which incorporates PULSE and the Garda National Immigration Bureau Systems have access to Email for internal use.

Access to external email is available to all Gardaí from the rank of Inspector upwards. I am also advised that external email is also available to Sergeants, Gardaí and civilian staff as operational needs require. A total of 1,066 external email addresses are currently being utilised by Gardaí and civilian staff.

I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that a pilot project to facilitate email communications between An Garda Síochána and members of the public using mailboxes assigned to individual sections and stations is currently underway. The pilot will assess the various factors that need to be addressed with regard to greater use of external email by An Garda Síochána, including the type and volume of Garda business that can be transacted using email, the potential uses for Section and Station emails and the security and resource implications for the Garda network.

Following the pilot project external email facilities will be rolled out on a phased basis to all stations in the DMR and to District HQ stations and other stations outside the DMR where the necessary network infrastructure is in place. The roll-out will also include making external email facilities available for all members of Sergeant rank of whom there are over 2,100 in active service.