Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Crime Levels.

Liz McManus

Question:

756 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will meet with a deputation from the Bray Business Watch who are very concerned about the levels of crime in the town of Bray and wish to discuss the provision of a Garda CCTV system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1315/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

As far as the Garda Síochána is concerned the potential crime prevention capacity is the most important consideration when evaluating an application for a Garda CCTV system. It should further be noted that CCTV systems are not in any way a replacement for Garda personnel but are an aid to existing Garda resources. The extension of these systems to other areas must be viewed in the context of overall policing operations and carefully planned and integrated into Garda operational procedures.

I am aware of the interest expressed by local business/community interests in Bray in the installation of a Garda CCTV system in the town. However, the Deputy will already be aware that an advisory committee established by the Garda Commissioner was set up to examine the future of CCTV 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, in all, the advisory committee has received 25 applications for the installation of Garda CCTV systems. This includes full and comprehensive proposals which were submitted in respect of eight locations, including Bray. Each of the applications will be prioritised with regard to the respective level of crime in the locations in question and the likely impact of a Garda CCTV system on same.

To date the advisory committee has prioritised four locations for the installation of Garda CCTV systems. However, I must point out that all of the remaining applications on hands are still under consideration and it is anticipated that further systems will be scheduled in due course as resources permit. Given that the advisory committee has access to all the relevant facts in relation to the application for a CCTV system in Bray to allow them to carry out their evaluation I am of the opinion that a meeting with local business interests would be of little advantage. I am committed to the concept of CCTV as an aid to policing but I must be guided by the recommendations of the advisory committee when considering the extension of CCTV systems to other areas.

I must also emphasise that the commitment to existing Garda CCTV schemes as well as those already prioritised by the advisory committee limits the scope for the extension of Garda CCTV systems to other areas at the present time.