Vol. 467 No. 2
13 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to issue mobile phones to each district Garda division and member for use for operational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12915/96]
The question of what are the most appropriate and effective methods of radio and other communications within the Garda Síochána is an operational matter appropriate, in the first instance, to the Garda authorities. As the Deputy will know, the Garda have their own radio communication networks throughout the country which provide the backbone of their operational communications system.
With regard to the use of mobile telephones, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they already have mobile phones available to them. They are issued to divisional officers and to specialist Garda units for operational use as required. There are no plans, I understand, for the blanket issue of cellular phones to members of the force.
