Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 5

Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

244 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if Kiltalown in Tallaght, Dublin 24, will now be included in the closed circuit television scheme as required by the community; if his attention has been drawn to the merits of such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27796/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The Garda authorities inform me that the pre-tender process for the CCTV systems in Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford is at an advanced stage. A request for tender and detailed technical specification documents is being drafted by the superintendent in charge of the telecommunications section at Garda headquarters. The Garda Síochána CCTV advisory committee, established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate applications for Garda CCTV systems, has not received any application to consider a CCTV system for the Kiltalown area.

In order for any such application to be considered, it will be necessary for a formal proposal to be made to the advisory committee through local Garda management. The advisory committee makes a recommendation on the installation of CCTV on the basis of certain criteria being adhered to and addressed in the formal proposal. Applications for Garda CCTV systems are assessed by the advisory committee on the basis of Garda operational needs and take into account the following criteria: crime or disorder statistics in an area; population and level of activity of the area; cost and local contributions as evidence of commitment of partnership arrangements; recommendations of local Garda management and special circumstances or needs.