Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
243 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the information technology systems which are in use by the Garda Síochána; the extent to which they are in use; if these systems are used for operations; if he will report on the use and efficiency of the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18501/04]
View answerThe Garda Síochána makes use of a range of information technology systems to support operational and other functions. These include the PULSE system, the automated fingerprint investigation system, AFIS, and the Garda national immigration system which are used to support the day-to-day operations of the force. There are also some smaller niche systems, including support systems, in use in the force. Access to Garda IT systems and data are limited to those members of the Garda Síochána and civilian personnel who require access to discharge their particular duties.
The operation of the PULSE system has provided the Garda Síochána with unprecedented support in its operational and strategic roles. PULSE provides a co-ordinated system which replaced a range of older computer and paper-based systems to enable on-line access to information thereby maximising its use throughout the Garda organisation. The final release of the system has been rolled out to the Garda organisation over recent months and is now complete. This release provides new functionality in a number of areas, including warrants, driver licence and insurance production, bail sign-on, electoral register, crime victim notifications and domestic violence orders.
It is to be expected that there will be intermittent technical challenges to be addressed and resolved in an IT enabled change initiative on the scale of PULSE. That said, I am informed by the Garda authorities that nearly all the performance targets for the system have been met and that further improvements can be expected when a technology upgrade takes place later this year.
