Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Finance when the tetra communications roll-out is expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of modern, secure digital radio communications services is regarded as critical to the effective operations of the emergency and security services of the State.

Following a comprehensive EU procurement exercise, a central agreement between the Minister for Finance and Tetra Ireland Communications Ltd. for the provision of national digital radio services for voice and data purposes to non-commercial public bodies was put in place in May 2008. The agreement was formally commenced in September 2008. The agreement establishes a drawdown facility for all civil service and non-commercial public bodies. The drawdown can be used for digital radio communications services, digital radio equipment, and training in the use of the services and equipment. The use of the digital radio service is governed by secondary legislation enacted by the Commission for Communications Regulation and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The service is being rolled out on a phased basis. The Dublin region and parts of Leinster are just being completed. It is hoped to have all of Leinster and part of Munster completed by the middle of this year. Full national coverage is currently timetabled for completion by summer 2010. This timetable is contingent on Tetra Ireland Communications Ltd. receiving the necessary planning permissions and approvals to use existing infrastructure or to build new infrastructure where necessary.