Bernard J. Durkan
Question:400 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms and conditions of the agreement between Esat Digifone and the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16150/98]
Written Answers. - Communications Masts.
There is a contractual agreement with Esat Digifone allowing them to install mobile telephony equipment at specified Garda stations subject to certain conditions. These conditions include a requirement that Esat Digifone comply fully with planning requirements, health and safety legislation, the Radiological Protection Act and all relevant guidelines which may be set down from time to time by the International Radiation Protection Association.
In return, Esat Digifone agreed to pay the full commercial rental value of each site; allow the Garda Síochána access to their other sites as required to install Garda radio equipment and to use Digifone masts; provide the Garda Síochána with capacity on the Digifone network for Garda communications use; replace or erect new Garda masts where necessary, and, finally, supply the force with a specified number of mobile phones free of charge to be distributed for operational purposes, together with use of Digifone's GSM network in respect of those phones free of call charges, so long as they remain within the Digifone network. In addition, a further 100 Garda mobile phones were connected to the Digifone network with the same conditions applying. Calls made outside of the Digifone network attract charges at cost only.