Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 November 2016
89. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all Garda traffic corps vehicles are currently fitted with an automatic number plate recognition system; if so, the number of such; if not, the timeframe for completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32904/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of resources is a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
As I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 69 of 28 June 2016, Automatic Name Plate Recognition technology (ANPR) is not solely limited for use by the Garda Traffic Corps. It is also employed in other Garda vehicles as an investigative and intelligence tool.
The Garda authorities have informed me that, as of 24 October 2016, some 103 official Garda vehicles, 91 of which are in the Traffic Corps, have been fitted with ANPR.
I am assured by the Garda Authorities that the use of ANPR, including the current capabilities and any possible expansion thereof, is kept under constant review in the light of identified operational needs.
