Vol. 250 No. 8
asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of a report (details supplied) that the Garda control room at Dublin Castle and the Garda communication system are inadequate to cope with the demands, he will state what action he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
176.
asked the Minister for Justice how the Garda authorities have coped' with the fact that the number of 999 calls has quadrupled in the last ten years, with specific reference to increases in staff and accommodation and improvement in equipment; and if he is satisfied that the present service is adequate.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
It is true that the improved communications systems which have been made available to the community generally over the years has led to an increase in calls for Garda services. Every effort is being made to cope with this increase. Some delays are inevitable but this is usual in most big cities where police radio systems are in operation.
Arrangements are being made for the provision of new accommodation for the control room staff at Dublin Castle. The provision of the new control room will facilitate the introduction of a new communications system which will be among the most up-to-date in operation anywhere.
Arrangements have also been made to have a survey of the Garda communications system with a view to extending it to cover the entire country.
