An Garda Síochána

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Questions (506)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

506. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if all interview rooms in each Garda station within DMR are all video and audio recorded; and if not, the estimated cost of installing video and audio recording facilities in each interview room in each Garda station within DMR. [29327/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I have requested a report on the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however this was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

I refer to Parliamentary Question number 506 of 1 June 2021 where you asked if all interview rooms in each Garda station within DMR are all video and audio recorded; and if not, the estimated cost of installing video and audio recording facilities in each interview room in each Garda station within DMR.

You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.

As you will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the outfitting of interview rooms. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 42 Garda Stations in the DMR. I am further advised that 57 interview rooms are fitted out under contract with audio and video recording facilities the locations of which are appended to this letter.

I am advised that there are 12 stations without audio and video recording facilities.

In certain Garda stations there are rooms which were originally designated as interview rooms on the floor plans but which were subsequently repurposed as offices, consultation rooms etc. These rooms do not have audio and video recording facilities.

Where suitable rooms are available, the cost of installing the equipment per current SLA is €6,227.98 including VAT but this does not include construction and electrical works to prepare each room.

I am further advised that the costs of providing electrical infrastructure in rooms that are not equipped with same are entirely dependent on a range of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, the condition of the building, the age of the existing electrical infrastructure and the specific location of the room to be enhanced. I am advised that the typical cost to provide electrical infrastructure in this context could start from €3,000 per room, rising to (depending on the various factors) approximately €8,000 per room.

I trust this information is of assistance.

Appendix

Interview rooms in the DMR fitted out under contract with audio and video recording facilities.

Customer	Total
SIVRE Suites - DMR - East - Blackrock	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - East - Dun Laoghaire	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - East - Dundrum	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - East - Shankill	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Balbriggan	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Ballymun	3
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Clontarf	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Coolock	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Raheny	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North - Swords	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North Central - Bridewell	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North Central - Mountjoy	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - North Central - Store Street	3
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Crumlin	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Rathfarnham	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Rathmines	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Sundrive Road	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Tallaght	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South - Terenure	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South Central - Donnybrook	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South Central - Irishtown	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South Central - Kevin Street	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South Central - Kilmainham	1
SIVRE Suites - DMR - South Central - Pearse Street	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Ballyfermot	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Blanchardstown	3
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Clondalkin	3
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Finglas	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Lucan	2
SIVRE Suites - DMR - West - Ronanstown	2
Total	57