Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
116 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the secure digital radio communications system which has been piloted and promised will be rolled out for all Gardaí. [22512/07]
View answer145 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the digital communication network for Gardaí currently being piloted in the Dublin Metropolitan Area will be rolled out nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22550/07]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 145 together.
A preferred bidder, TETRA Ireland Ltd, has been selected for the provision of a digital radio service for An Garda Síochána and other emergency services.
As part of the procurement process, the preferred bidder was required to carry out a service performance evaluation in an area covering parts of Dublin and Meath including the Port and Airport. The aim is to ensure that the preferred supplier demonstrates its capability, both from a technical and organisational perspective, to deliver this key service for the emergency services. I understand that the service performance evaluation is nearing completion.
Nationwide rollout will commence on completion of the service performance evaluation and the signing of contracts by the Department of Finance. It is planned that nationwide rollout for the Gardaí will commence in the first quarter of next year and is expected to be completed over a 2 year period.
