Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1692. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason, notwithstanding legislation enacted in 2007 providing for the electronic monitoring and tagging of offenders, a fully operational national electronic tagging system has not yet been implemented; the steps taken by his Department to date to give effect to this legislation; and the timeline now envisaged for full implementation. [75162/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1693. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the current status of the procurement process for electronic monitoring services, including the stage reached, the expected date for completion, and any factors that have contributed to delays; and the resources allocated within his Department to ensure the system becomes operational. [75163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1694. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether a cost-benefit or value for money assessment has been carried out by or on behalf of his Department in relation to the introduction of electronic tagging of offenders; if so, to provide details of the findings; and if not, to explain the reason such an assessment has not been undertaken. [75164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra1695. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the enforcement, monitoring, and oversight arrangements which are planned in respect of breaches of electronic tagging conditions; the way in which inter-agency responsibility between his Department, the Irish Prison Service, and An Garda Síochána will be structured; and the measures in place to ensure public safety and accountability. [75166/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1692, 1693, 1694 and 1695 together.
The Programme for Government commits to implement electronic tagging for appropriate categories of prisoner. Existing legislation, including the Bail Act 1997, as amended, the Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended, and the Sex Offender Act 2001, as amended, provide for electronic monitoring, in certain circumstances.
My Department is leading a cross-agency project to introduce electronic monitoring (EM) for specific categories of individuals, and in line with existing legal provisions. A steering group is in place and met a number of times during 2025, to oversee and drive the delivery of the project.
The EM project team has engaged extensively with key stakeholders across the Justice sector over several months on the consideration of technology, data protection, procurement, implementation, and operating model design to inform the recently published Request for Tender (RFT).
As per the terms of the Request for Tender for an Electronic Monitoring Managed Service (EMMS), the service will provide the technology, infrastructure, and operational support required to tag and monitor individuals, tracking compliance with electronic monitoring conditions across Ireland. Data from the tags will be recorded by the service provider and shared with the relevant agency, according to agreed operating procedures & reporting.
The pilot will focus on individuals on temporary release nationally and those admitted to bail in a pilot area. It is proposed to utilise up to 50 electronic tags during this phase. Exact numbers monitored will depend on a range of factors, including individuals’ lengths of time on bail, or on Temporary Release, and individuals’ personal circumstances, including ongoing suitability and compliance with conditions.
The pilot approach will allow for processes and procedures to be tested before a wider scale national rollout, while also supporting the agencies involved to build capability and knowledge of the EM system. The pilot will provide the evidence necessary to assess value for money, cost, operational impacts and outcomes in advance of any decisions on wider implementation. Additionally, all new projects undertaken by the Department are assessed for overall viability before being given permission to proceed.
I have secured funding of €2.1m in Budget 2026 for the project to allow for staffing, procurement, and other set up costs.
