Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2009
350 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations here that do not have access to PULSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37125/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Garda authorities that the Pulse system is available at all Divisional and District Headquarters and 24 hour stations. The number of Garda stations on the PULSE network has now increased to 347 out of 703 locations and these account for over 85% of incidents.
It was never the intention of the Garda authorities to provide PULSE in every single Garda location and the extension of the system to other Garda stations is regularly reviewed by Garda management with additional stations added on a case by case basis.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) based in Castlebar is now a key component in the Pulse System. This Centre allows Gardaí, who would otherwise have to return to their station to input or update incident data, to log the information over the telephone with their civilian colleagues at the GISC, thus keeping thousands of members of the Force effectively deployed for longer periods in visible, front line policing roles across our communities.
