Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of recent reports that sensitive evidence is being stored in Garda station lockers due to a lack of designated storage space within stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21156/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the introduction of Divisional Property Stores is being overseen by an Implementation Group, established to progress the Property and Exhibits Management System (PEMS) in the Garda Síochána. The purpose of the Property and Exhibits Management System is to establish a Divisional Property Store in each Garda Division which will manage all property coming into the possession of the Garda Síochána in that Division with a small number of exceptions such as items immediately required for the proper investigation of an offence, items where the owner is likely to be quickly identified or, for health & safety reasons, items that cannot be reasonably stored at the Divisional Property Store, e.g. large machinery. These items will necessitate secure retention at local Garda stations.

The PEMS system is being introduced on a phased basis in every Garda Division and two pilot locations at Store Street and Athlone Garda Stations are now fully operational. The scheme is currently being extended to a further six locations with a further seven locations planned as stores become available for use. Pending this, property coming into the possession of the Garda Síochána will continue to be handled in the manner prescribed in the Garda Regulations, which is subject to audit and inspection.