Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
249. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that the Garda College in Templemore has sufficient broadband access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47802/18]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government recognises that Gardaí must have the modern technology and resources necessary to detect and investigate crime and to prevent loss and harm to citizens and their property on a 24/7 basis.
In support of this, €342 million is being invested in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021 to enable An Garda Síochána to deploy the latest cutting-edge technologies in delivering professional policing and security services for the community.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána as well as for decisions in relation to the allocation and management of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda College has a number of data services providing network connectivity, including a backup service which would operate should the primary service fail. I understand from the information provided by the Garda authorities that there is more than sufficient capacity in the current network arrangements for current levels of utilisation.
I am further informed that the Garda College has a student internet service which is a completely separate and additional service to the secure Garda Corporate Network provided for at the College.
