Brendan Griffin
Question:267. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if applications are open for the community-based CCTV scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4962/19]
View answerTuesday, 5 February 2019
Questions (267)
Written answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems. In furtherance of this commitment, a grant-aid scheme to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas is being administered by my Department. In total, funding of €1 million is available each year for three years. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.
There have to date been 28 applications to the scheme and 20 applications have been approved, involving grants totalling more than €500,000.
I can confirm that the scheme remains open for applications from interested groups in 2019.
I am keen to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, have the opportunity to take advantage of the availability of this grant aid scheme. If the Deputy is aware of groups wishing to avail of the scheme, details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie and support and guidance is available to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email address communitycctv@justice.ie
More generally, the Deputy may wish to be aware that all community CCTV schemes are governed by Community CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner, and
- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded and the Deputy will appreciate that as such, these statutory requirements must be met by applicants for funding from my Department.
I would encourage any groups interested in the scheme to examine the details available on my Department's website and to make contact with my officials, via the email address detailed above, if they require further assistance.