Vol. 502 No. 1
56 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations equipped to carry out electronic recording of interviews as provided for in the Criminal Justice Act, 1984; when this facility will be generally available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7211/99]
A pilot scheme on the use of audio and audio-video recording of the Garda questioning of detained persons is ongoing in four Garda stations, namely, Tallaght, Portlaoise, and the Bridewells in Dublin and Cork. The scheme is due to be extended shortly to two further Garda stations, namely, Henry Street, Limerick, and Millstreet, Galway.
The pilot trials are being overseen by a steering committee chaired by Mr. Justice Esmond Smyth, President of the Circuit Court, and are operating under the terms of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations, 1997, as provided for in section 27 of the Act. The steering committee has terms of reference to evaluate the pilot scheme and to report to me on whether an effective and economic basis may be found for a national scheme. Once the committee submits a report on this matter, I will act to implement its proposals at an early stage.
