Alan Shatter says he hopes Gardaí now use pulse system appropriately

Former Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said he hopes Gardaí are now using the pulse system appropriately.

The special system records sensitive garda intelligence and other key details on crimes reported to Gardaí.

Alan Shatter said it was unfortunate that in the past Gardaí were using pulse to pick up "prurient information - that was not in the public interest".

“I would now that the pulse system in the future is only ever appropriately accessed.

“It is an issue about people’s confidence in the Garda Siochana, whether you are engaged with the Gardaí, whether you try and assist them in their inquiries, you are a witness to an event, whether you have a personal issue you need to discuss with them.

“The public needs the assurance of knowing, that if you happen to be someone that is well known, that that won’t leak its way into the newspapers.”