Vol. 541 No. 2
151 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which the PULSE communications system is available to all Garda divisions and stations; the reason for the failure to provide such coverage to all stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22227/01]
967 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which state of the art technology is available at the various Garda stations throughout the country; if the most modern communication systems are available and operational in all cases; the reason or reasons for any deficiencies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22509/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 967 together.
The PULSE computer system provides the Garda Síochána with state of the art technology. The overall position is that the PULSE systems are fully operational at 181 locations which include divisional and district headquarters and all major city stations. Under this level of coverage, 85% of all incidents are directly captured and over 75% of Garda personnel have direct access to PULSE systems in their own stations. At the same time, training for the systems has been undertaken for members in other stations who also have the means to link up with the PULSE network indirectly.
It is generally accepted that major computer systems are extremely expensive and that is why it has been decided, for the moment, to restrict the number of stations where PULSE is directly available. This is a situation that will be kept under review in the light of the availability of resources and the overall development of the systems.
In relation to communications systems, the position is that Government approval has been obtained for the replacement of the existing Garda radio network with a digital trunked radio system. In that context, I signed a contract with Nokia (Ireland) Ltd for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a pilot digital radio network in the Dublin area in July of this year. This pilot, which will last about six months, is expected to commence before the end of this year. Arrangements have been made for all the emergency services to participate in the pilot and subsequent developments. On completion of the pilot, its results will be assessed with a view to the introduction of a national digital communications system for the Garda.
