Written answers

Thursday, 17 April 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Garda Communications

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 593: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that each Garda station and member of the Force throughout the country has adequate access to modern telecommunications in order to combat the crime wave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14461/08]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am assured by the Garda authorities that existing Garda telecommunications infrastructures are utilised to meet the operational and organisational needs of the Garda Síochána.

A number of initiatives are currently underway in An Garda Síochána in this area. As I indicated in my response to Questions Nos. 21 and 43 today, the contract for the provision a new National Digital Radio Service for the Garda Síochána and the other emergency services is expected to be signed by the Department of Finance very shortly. The Garda authorities are putting in place detailed plans for the roll-out of the service when it becomes available.

The Garda authorities are constantly looking at opportunities to employ new telecommunications opportunities to assist in achieving their operational and administrative goals. To support the Garda Síochána in this regard, a total of €99.422 million has been allocated within the 2008 Garda Budget for Information and Communications Technology projects alone, representing an increase of over 48% on the same figure last year.

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