Solution to Garda IT problems identified but out of reach

Two reports into the bungling Garda fixed charge notice processing system have identified the ideal replacement system but say it will not be an option here for the foreseeable future.

A 2014 Garda Inspectorate report and a review by Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Sullivan published this week both found the system in use by police in Canada, and particularly in the province of Nova Scotia, to represent the ideal solution to problems here.

Police in that jurisdiction use an electronic ticketing system with the use of manually created records only intended as back-up. Ireland has a heavy dependence on manual records and manual data entry for the issuing of fixed charge notices (FCNs) and for the issuing of summonses when FCNs were not paid.