PAC may probe cost of tape systems

The waste of state money involved in the installation of €500,000 worth of recording systems at Garda stations may be investigated by the Dáil’s Public Account’s Committee (PAC).

Independent TD Shane Ross said he will be asking fellow committee members to examine the circumstances under which the system was put out to open tender in 2007 and a contract subsequently given to the NICE brand in 2008.

“The question the PAC will have to look at is the value for money of this. But there is a much more fundamental question: was this legal or was it not,” Mr Ross said.