asked the Minister for Justice the steps which have been taken to implement in full section 27 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, which provides for the recording by electronic or other similar means of the questioning of persons by members of the Garda Síochána in connection with the investigation of offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
47.
Following the publication of the Criminal Justice Bill in 1983 the then Minister established a committee representing the Garda authorities and the Department of Justice and including a specialist in electronics to examine and report on the measures necessary for the introduction of a system of electronic recording as provided for under the provisions of section 27. I understand that the committee have done considerable work in preparing specifications for the equipment and facilities which would be required for a suitable system and that they have examined systems in use in other jurisdictions.
It is the committee's considered view that in order to identify particular problems which might arise in the use of electronic recording here, it is necessary to carry out field trials over a fairly prolonged period in a number of appropriate Garda districts. It was also the committee's view, which I accept, that it would not have been practicable to conduct such trials before the detention provisions of the 1984 Act came into operation on 1 July last. Consideration is now being given to initiating the trials.