THE Prison Service is to start rolling out a hi-tech digital radio system in the country’s jails next month.

THE long-awaited Garda digital radio system is due to go live next week in parts of Dublin.

JUSTICE Minister Brian Lenihan is planning to introduce legislation which will allow video surveillance of criminals to be used as evidence in court, bringing the battle against crime barons into the 21st century.

THE main Garda representatives bodies have broadly welcomed budget plans to create a “hi-tech” police force and boost Garda numbers.

THE consortium providing the new garda radio system will have to pay a private company in order to access publicly-owned telecommunications masts.

GARDA representatives have called for an independent body to monitor any possible health damage associated with their planned digital communication system.