Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:23. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations with no Internet access. [10794/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 March 2017
Ceisteanna (23, 24, 25, 28)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:24. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that have been allocated or issued with a computer; and the number of these stations that have no Internet access. [10795/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJonathan O'Brien
Ceist:25. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of memory sticks that have been allocated to each Garda station. [10796/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraJonathan O'Brien
Ceist:28. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of digital cameras allocated to each Garda station. [10799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 to 25, inclusive, and 28 together.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are matters for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.
However, I understand from the Garda authorities that every Garda station has been allocated a computer but, as I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 16 February 2017, there are some 178 stations that are not connected to the Garda Network. The Deputy will be aware that the matter of enhancing rural access to the Garda network by connecting non-networked sites to the Garda Network is an initiative under the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021. This includes plans to introduce mobile technology solutions to enable operational Gardaí to access core information systems, including PULSE, while on duty and away from Garda stations. Providing members with real-time information on mobile devices, as well as enabling investigation teams to collect and share information digitally, will improve the effectiveness of the service provided to communities. Work on this has commenced.
In relation to the number of memory sticks allocated to each and every Garda station in the State, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that this information is not readily available and that the provision of the information would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources. I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the other information requested by the Deputy and will revert to him when it is to hand.
I might add that the Garda Síochána Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 is intended to professionalise, modernise and renew An Garda Síochána to ensure that the organisation can meet present and future challenges. I am informed that the Programme prioritises technology projects with the aim of improving the services delivered to communities by members of An Garda Síochána. The Government is highly supportive of these initiatives and this is underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Questions No. 13 for answer on 16 February 2017 and Parliamentary Questions Nos. 23 and 28 for answer on 2 March 2017 in which you requested information regarding, inter alia, the number of Garda stations not currently connected to the PULSE system or with internet access and the number of digital cameras allocated to each Garda station.
You will recall that, as all of the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, I undertook to contact the Garda Commissioner on the specific queries raised and revert to you.
I have subsequently been informed by the Garda authorities that Garda stations generally receive internet access via the PULSE network. As I indicated to you in my response to your questions, there are some 178 stations that are not connected to the network and I have included a list of these stations in Appendix A.
The Garda authorities have also advised me that there are some 402 digital cameras currently allocated to Garda Stations nationwide. These figures are operational and liable to change and, accordingly, to provide a breakdown by Garda station would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources.
As I previously mentioned An Garda Síochána continues to extend the Garda network and is working to ensure that additional stations gain access to the relevant systems. Garda Information Systems such as PULSE will also be modernised to ensure members have quick access to timely and accurate information.
The Government is highly supportive of these initiatives and this is underpinned by significant Government investment under the Capital Plan of some €205 million in additional funding for Garda ICT.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AWAITED