Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have access to digital radio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21594/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are a total of 939 digital radio units deployed in three Divisions in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR). These are in use in the North Central, Regional Traffic and Eastern Division mobile units and have been in use since 2002.

The selected service provider for the new National Digital Radio Service, TETRA Ireland Ltd., is currently putting in place the requisite infrastructure for the service to be available to the Garda Síochána and other emergency services. The infrastructure is being put in place on a regional basis over a two year period in accordance with agreed plans.

The Garda authorities advise that they are working with the service provider so that rollout of the service to members of the Force will closely follow the provision of this infrastructure. Accordingly, the rollout is planned to commence in the Dublin Metropolitan Region next month and will be extended to other regions on a phased basis over the next two years in line with the agreed infrastructure plans. A total number of 4,487 Garda personnel have been trained in its use up to 21st May 2009. Training will continue in line with the rollout schedule.