A machine with just three buttons is used to record interviews. The machine has a record button, a stop button and an eject button. Tapes cannot be rewound, fast forwarded or edited.
Three recordings of each interview are made. A master tape is sealed after the interview in the presence of the person being interviewed and the two interviewing gardai. The seal is signed by the person being interviewed and the gardai. It is dated and timed. The seal is not broken until the tape is produced in court.
The second copy is used by the investigating members. The Chief State Solicitor and the Director of Public Prosecutions also have access to this tape. The accused can apply to the superintendent for the third copy.
Under the new scheme, interviews can be interrupted if a senior garda feels it will help "secure confidential information in situations where lives are at grave risk".