Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2019
138. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost of the roll-out of body cameras for all gardaí; if he has received such a request from the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6189/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána. Further, the allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner, in light of his identified operational demands. In keeping with these arrangements, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the provision of equipment for An Garda Síochána.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a working group within An Garda Síochána is considering the operational, legal and financial issues connected with body cameras and is overseeing the development of a business case on the matter. I understand that upon approval by the Garda Commissioner, any final business case will be submitted to my Department for consideration. As such, I have not, as of now, received a request from the Garda authorities for funding for body cameras for issue to operational members of An Garda Síochána.
I am informed that given the working group is still considering the various issues involved, it is not currently possible to provide an estimated cost of the roll-out of body worn cameras to all members of An Garda Síochána.
