Garda Communications

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Questions (191)

Brian Walsh

Question:

191. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the contract for the provision of Tetra digital radios to An Garda Síochána, including the number of radios supplied to the force and the cost of same. [9429/13]

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Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

Further to a public procurement process, a Central Agreement was signed between the Department of Finance and Tetra Ireland in 2008 for the provision of nationwide digital radio services for voice and data purposes to all non-commercial public bodies in Ireland. Subsequently, An Garda Síochána committed to roll out the National Digital Radio Service to the Force. The roll-out was completed in 2011.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that currently An Garda Síochána has approximately 15,270 radio subscription accounts on the National Digital Radio Service. In addition, I understand that the costs involved are commercially sensitive.