Patrick Costello
Ceist:
714. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if all interview rooms in each Garda station are fully equipped with video recording facilities; and if not, the estimated cost of ensuring all interview rooms in Garda stations are equipped with recording facilities. [26852/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have written to An Garda Síochána requesting a report on the information sought by the Deputy, and will revert when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the allocation and distribution of resources is entirely a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have no responsibility in this matter. I am assured however that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources, which includes the provision and management of video recording facilities, under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 569 Garda Stations in the state. However, it is not possible to provide the total number of interview rooms currently operational across the country.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 247 Suspect Interview Video Recorder Equipment (SIVRE) deployed as per the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations 1997, and that the existing interview rooms fitted with recording facilities are sufficient to service the operational demands in every Division across the country.
