Jim O'Callaghan
Question:224. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda stations that operate CCTV in the custody area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38764/18]
View answerTuesday, 25 September 2018
Questions (224)
Written answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including the installation of CCTV in custody areas in Garda stations. I, as Minister, have no direct role in that matter.
I have asked the Garda Commissioner for the specific information requested and when it is received I will write directly to the Deputy.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 224 for answer on 25 September 2018 in which the Deputy requested the number of Garda stations that operate CCTV in the custody area.
The Deputy will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including the installation of CCTV in custody areas in Garda stations. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), which has the responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation, including specific features and systems such as custody CCTV.
I am advised that, as of 25 March 2019, 43 Garda stations have custody CCTV systems available for use by An Garda Síochána. It should be noted that these figures do not include a number of stations currently undergoing refurbishment and which will have a custody CCTV system included as part of the finished project.
I understand that An Garda Síochána liaises closely with the OPW in relation to custody CCTV, with the provision of same being included in plans for all new Garda stations and major refurbishments.
I trust this information is of assistance.