Michael McGrath
Ceist:
833. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the Garda stations in Cork city and county which do not have access to the Internet and-or the PULSE system; the steps being taken to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33411/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda resources including ICT resources are a matter for the Garda Commissioner in light of his identified operational demands and the availability of resources. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and will write to the Deputy when it is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 833 for answer on 24 July 2018, in which the Deputy requested the Garda stations in Cork city and county without access to the Internet and-or the PULSE system; and the steps being taken to address same.
The Deputy will recall that the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact him again when the information was to hand. I apologise for the delay in responding while my officials awaited a response from An Garda Síochána on the matter.
The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána. Further, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT resources and the networking of Garda stations, are matters for the Garda Commissioner in light of availability of resources and his identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that broadband networks and services are used to connect stations to the Garda network for official purposes. All of the connections to the Garda stations are managed in Telecommunications Division to ensure the speed of the network connection meets the requirements of the particular location.
The Garda authorities have confirmed that there are 72 operational Garda stations in county Cork. I am informed that all Garda stations in Cork city have access to ICT Services but that 5 stations currently do not have access to ICT Services in Cork county. I am advised that these 5 stations are expected to have access to all ICT Systems by the end of the year.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that any member attached to a currently unconnected station can access PULSE at their local district station. Members in non-networked locations can also contact the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) or an associated networked station if required.
I trust this information is of assistance.
