Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
124. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she can confirm that all Traveller and Roma children's names who were erroneously added to the PULSE system in the past have been removed from the system; if she has discussed this matter with the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22445/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra125. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of children under five years of age who have had a PULSE file entry and ascribed a criminal intelligence number separate from a parent or guardian during each of the past four years. [22446/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 125 together.
I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that a full review of entries on the PULSE system, including records of any person under 12 years of age remains ongoing. Remedial action is taken in respect of any entry on PULSE which is identified as not conforming to the standards and principles of the Data Protection legislation.
I am further advised, and it is important to understand this, that the allocation of a PULSE identification number should not be taken to automatically infer any link to criminality. Therefore, the recording of a person's details on PULSE must be considered in the context of each entry which seeks to describe the circumstances of the interaction with An Garda Síochána. For example, this could include an entry on the system as a result of the person being an injured party or as a witness to an incident as well as where a person is a suspect or a suspected offender. Essentially, a PULSE identification number is intended to be a unique identifier for any future interactions, of any nature, that the person may have with An Garda Síochána.
With regard to the information requested by the Deputy relating to children under five years of age who have a PULSE file entry and have been ascribed a criminal intelligence number separate from a parent or guardian during each of the past four years, I am informed that this specific information is not available.
