Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
174. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the secure radio network for the gardaí represents value for money at €40 million per annum; the date on which this contract was negotiated; to whom this €40 million was paid; if any assessment has been carried out on its effectiveness vis-à-vis mobile phones; the level of use of this radio network by gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/13]
View answerFurther to a public procurement process, a Central Agreement was signed between the Department of Finance and Tetra Ireland in May 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.
The Garda authorities have advised me that the Garda participation in the National Digital Radio Service is enabling the Force to achieve its objectives. In that context, they have indicated that the Service meets their specific technological and operational requirements. Moreover, I understand that a number of these requirements, such as group working and emergency alert facilities, would not be available via mobile phone networks. I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that steps have been taken, and continue to be taken, to achieve value for money in respect of the expenditure involved.
