The Deputy will already be aware that the advisory committee established by the Garda Commissioner was set up to examine the future of closed circuit television-systems as an aid to policing. While their main objective was to evaluate the potential crime prevention capacity of each of the applications received, they were also required to evaluate each application from a technical and telecommunications perspective while also taking into consideration the level of finance available from my Department and from local business-community sources.
I understand that a total of 25 applications were received for the installation of Garda closed circuit television-systems. This includes full and comprehensive proposals which were submitted in respect of eight locations, including Bray. I can appreciate the disappointment expressed by local interests that Bray was not listed among the four priority locations for the installation of closed circuit television-systems. However, I must point out that all of the remaining applications on hands are still under consideration by the advisory committee and will be scheduled as resources become available.
Furthermore, it must be understood that closed circuit television-systems are not in any way a replacement for Garda personnel but are an aid to existing resources. The extension of these systems to other areas must be viewed in the context of overall policing operations and must be carefully planned and integrated into Garda operational procedures.