Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Garda Equipment.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

256 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of any guidelines which apply to the operation of closed circuit television under the control of the Garda and if he will place these guidelines in the Oireachteas Library: the controls, if any, which are in place for the security of tapes generated by such surveillance cameras; the regulations which cover the operation of CCTV by commercial or community groups; the State agencies, if any, which monitor the operation of commercial or community groups using CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3934/98]

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

I understand that the Garda Síochána has in place a policy document, in the form of broad guidelines, covering the installation, management and operation of CCTV systems. However, I am informed that this policy applies only to systems installed in Garda stations and does not cover CCTV being used by commercial or community groups.

The Garda authorities further inform me that tapes are held in a secure locker and are reused after a period of 30 days unless required for crime investigation and evidential purposes.

I understand that a training programme is currently being developed, at the Garda College in Templemore, to train prospective members in charge of the CCTV systems operated from Garda stations. This course will be full and comprehensive and guidelines for use by the Garda members as described, will be drafted and issued to them.

These guidelines have not been finalised at this point. However, when they are finalised I will consider the question of placing them in the Oireachtas Library.

The Garda authorities have informed me that there are no regulations in place governing the use of CCTV systems run by commercial groups.