Vol. 503 No. 5
125 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the long promised closed circuit television will be introduced in view of residents' concerns regarding the continuing level of crime in Finglas, Dublin 11; the reason for the delay in its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10662/99]
Finglas is one of the six areas afforded a high priority listing for the installation of Garda CCTV systems as an aid to policing.
There is a shortage of technicians in the telecommunications section of the Garda Síochána which is impacting on the progress in implementing CCTV systems. I am having this problem addressed as a matter of urgency through the recruitment of a significant number of additional technicians and the recruitment process is well under way at present. However given recruitment-selection procedures and training etc. realistically it will be some months before the technicians will be available to commence work on existing or new projects in the telecommunications area, including CCTV.
I am, however, very keen for CCTV to be installed in all of the prioritised areas, including Finglas, as soon as possible and I have instructed my officials to pursue the issue with the Garda Síochána and to explore all avenues for expediting matters. I would expect that progress will soon be made in this regard.
