104 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Justice the cost of the installation of the new radio equipment at Garda headquarters, Anglesea Street, Cork; the evaluation, if any, carried out prior to its installation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8391/96]

The total value of the contract for the new Cork Garda radio system was £1,225,730. An extensive survey of needs was conducted before the system was purchased. The requirements were refined by telecommunications specialists from Garda headquarters in consultation with local gardaí. These requirements were included in a detailed specification document issued for Europe-wide tender. Each response to the tender was evaluated in detail, with two proposals shortlisted for final evaluation. The final evaluation included an assessment of similar systems installed elsewhere. This is a modern high-tech system which meets Garda user specifications to the full.