Vol. 558 No. 2
101 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to serious concern expressed by members of the Garda concerning operational difficulties with the PULSE computer system; the steps being taken to deal with these problems and ensure that there is an efficient computer system available to members of the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23701/02]
The introduction of the PULSE computer project into the Garda Síochána represents a major commitment by the Government to provide a modern computer system for the force. Its introduction into the Garda Síochána was accompanied by a major change management programme, which included an extensive training programme for over 12,000 users of the system. The PULSE computer system has been operational for three years with the software deployed to over 180 locations in phased releases. The fourth and final phase of the system is due for deployment nationally in 2003.
Availability of the PULSE system has averaged 99% over the past 12 month period when measured over 24 hours each day of the year. There have been a small number of periods of unavailability for scheduled maintenance and for implementation of new releases of the system. There have also been a small number of unscheduled outages, which fall within acceptable levels.
