This article is from page 11 of the 2005-09-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
GARDAI in Clare are being advised not to use their person- al mobile phones, laptops and cameras for official use.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) issued the advice in response to delays in introducing a new radio system, despite repeated calls for it.
The GRA has been told the new “Tetra” digital radio sys- tem will not be introduced for four years. Justice Miunister Michael McDowell has said there are no finances available,
before then.
Clare-based member of the GRA Central Executive, Garda Tom Keane of Ennis says this is not good enough as the existing system regularly breaks down in rural parts of the county.
“We are trying to get a radio system for years. There are a lot of blackspots where the cur- rent system breaks down. This happens regularly. It 1s totally outdated,’ said Garda Keane.
“We are urging our members not to use mobile phones until they give us a radio system,’ he said.