Garda Communications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014

Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Questions (421)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

421. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the current extent of deployment of the automated vehicle and personnel locations system which is operated by An Garda Síochána; his views on whether there is a strong case to expand the system to the Kildare and Meath divisions in view of the fact that they are the worst served districts in terms of gardaí per capita and the system has been demonstrated to improve response times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11973/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Automated Vehicle and Personnel Locations System (AVPLS) was introduced into An Garda Síochána during 2012 and piloted in the Waterford and DMR North Central Divisions. On the basis of this successful pilot, implementation of a rollout of the system into other areas is currently under consideration by Garda management and is linked to a number of factors, including the ongoing nationwide rollout of the Garda Computer Aided Dispatch System with which the introduction of AVPLS is associated.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the Kildare and Meath Divisions will be considered for inclusion as part of the relevant processes.