Fewer than two thirds of selected garda stations have been fitted with video recording equipment more than 14 months after the project's deadline.
In August, 1999, Minister for Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue announced that 200 out of 700 garda stations would be fitted with audio/video recording facilities on a phased basis over 12 to 18 months.
This would give guarantees to people in custody and to gardaí that statements were made and taken correctly, he said.
The scheme provides for the mandatory video recording of interviews with people questioned about serious crimes under the Criminal Justice Act, the Offences against the State Act and the Drug Trafficking Act.
But after the 18 month deadline had passed, just 11 stations had been fitted with the equipment. The targeted number of stations was reduced to 150 and in May 2001, Minister O'Donoghue said he expected that all facilities would be in place by the end of that year.
Almost one year later, 97 stations have been fitted out with the recording equipment. The equipment has been installed in 171 rooms in these stations and the facilities are in use in 151 of these rooms.
A Department of Justice spokesman said the scheme was on target to be completed during the first half of 2002. "Delays were experienced by the Garda authorities at the tender evaluation stage of the project," the spokesman said. "These delays were of a technical nature and to do with certain equipment submitted for testing by the suppliers, which resulted in a later than hoped for start to the delivery and installation of the equipment in the selected garda stations."
The delays have been criticised by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL).
Mr Liam Herrick, research and parliamentary officer said he was very concerned at the "persistent failure" of the Minister to implement the scheme.
"The failure of the Minister to implement this programme of work in garda stations is in stark contrast to his enthusiasm for installing CCTV cameras on main streets," he said.
Mr Herrick said video recording equipment was essential for protecting the rights of the suspects. He said it would also protect gardaí where false accusations were made.
The scheme is expected to cost up to €10.15 million, including refurbishment, sound-proofing, equipment purchase and training.
