John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to expand the capabilities of the PULSE system as part of the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7638/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed that the Programme prioritises technology projects with the aim improving the services delivered to communities by members of An Garda Síochána.

This includes plans to introduce mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations. Providing members with real-time information on mobile devices, as well as enabling investigation teams to collect and share information digitally, will improve the effectiveness of the service provided to communities.

I understand that An Garda Síochána will continue to extend the Garda network throughout 2017 and is working to ensure that additional stations gain access to the relevant systems. Garda Information Systems such as PULSE will also be modernised to ensure members have quick access to timely and accurate information.

The Government is highly supportive of these initiatives and this is underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT.