asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda summonses struck out due to incorrect details appearing on the summons, for the last full year prior to the computerisation of summonses and also for the year ended 31 December 1984.
226.
Written Answers. - Computerisation of Summonses.
225.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware of the frustration among gardaí arising from the insertion of incorrect details on summonses over which they have no control, following computerisation and if he will make a statement on the matter.
227.
asked the Minister for Justice if he is satisfied that the computerisation is carried out with maximum efficiency; and the action he proposes to take where incorrect details on summonses result in charges being struck out.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 225 to 227, inclusive, together. My Department has received no complaints along the lines suggested in these questions and I find it difficult to see how such complaints could arise.
As in all such systems some initial errors must arise in the issue of summonses by computer but, so far, the numbers concerned have been well within the level of tolerance normally applied to these systems in the judgment of persons qualified to assess such matters. But I must emphasise that these are only initial errors and that the system contains a built-in corrective for errors of this kind. When the garda who makes the complaint on which the summons is issued receives a copy of it, he is required under standing instructions to check it carefully and bring any error to notice immediately so that it may be corrected before the date of hearing. In the circumstances any error that persists to the date of hearing must be the responsibility of the gardaí concerned and I fail to see how gardaí could have a reasonable cause for complaint about the new system. Indeed, my information is that the Garda authorities are satisfied that the system has resulted in a substantial improvement in effectiveness and efficiency.
Statistics of cases struck out because of error are not available for periods either before or after computerisation, and they could not be assembled without an inordinate expenditure on staff time and resources.