Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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105. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she can confirm the operation of a digital audio recording system in the justice system; when it commenced; when any refinements occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3432/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, under the provisions of the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service which is independent in exercising its functions, which include the provision of information on the courts system.

However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have had enquiries made and the Courts Service has informed me that Digital Audio Recording (DAR) is in operation in courts in all jurisdictions. The DAR system was first commenced in 2005 in the Supreme Court and was fully rolled out across all jurisdictions by 2011.

Refinements in DAR technology have taken place over time. In July 2016 a new service provider was appointed following procurement and, as part of the new contract, a technology refresh is being provided to bring both hardware and software up-to-date. All recording units (PCs) in court will be replaced with new PCs and the latest version of recording, playback and note-taking software over the next two years. This process commenced in December 2016, with new systems installed in the Criminal Courts of Justice and the Four Courts, and will be completed in 2018.