Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 563: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations that have internet access; the number that have e-mail accounts; the number generally equipped with broadband capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25295/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Garda Information System (GIS) which includes access to PULSE, the Garda National Immigration Bureau Systems, is also used to deliver external Email and internet access on a user by user basis as operational needs dictate. Internet access is currently availed of in all District and Divisional Headquarters.

External email is available to all Gardaí from the rank of Inspector upwards and is also available to other 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. The Garda Wide Area Network (WAN) provides broadband performance levels in delivering these services and is available at 338 locations nationwide.

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.