Parliamentary Question: Electronic Tagging Scheme

11th March 2003

505. Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which electronic tagging is used to monitor released criminals; if he has satisfied himself with the operation of the scheme; if his attention has been drawn to a scheme used in 14 US states, whereby tagged serious and violent criminals can have their movements continuously monitored by global position satellite, reducing the risk of re-offending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7157/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The use of electronic systems to monitor offenders in other jurisdictions is an issue which my Department has been examining for some time. Satellite tracing, using GPS - ground position by satellite - signals, is in use in the United States, but on a limited basis. Satellite tracing systems have been available commercially for ships and a wide range of vehicles for some years. However, I have been advised that problems of battery size and weight, signal interference, costs and location complexities have hindered the initial GPS systems and the advice to me is that we should await current developments which are targeted to improving GPS systems. I also understand that lower technology and lower cost curfew tracking systems are being developed in a number of jurisdictions based on a combination of mobile phone technology and voice verification technology and my officials are also monitoring current developments in that regard.

Studies on the use of electronic systems to monitor offenders in other jurisdictions suggest that tagging is effective only over a three to six month period and suitable only for low risk offenders whereas our court requirements may well be for the most serious offences and longer periods. Recent research suggests that the advance of such systems has been curiously muted, not least because of its inability to deliver specifically on its aim. I intend to keep the situation under review in the light of international developments.