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Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Questions (122)

Seán Haughey

Question:

122. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if an update will be provided on the regulations and funding for Garda and community CCTV; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16088/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, community CCTV schemes play an important role in local communities across the country, providing valuable reassurance and helping people to feel safer in their local areas. This is why it remains a priority for my Department to ensure that community groups continue to be supported in developing their local CCTV schemes, whilst balancing this with proportionate oversight of important data protection statutory considerations.

Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme, supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, 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.

The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems, which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. Support and assistance for those running CCTV schemes is available by contacting my Department at a dedicated email address which is available on my Department's website.

To date, a total of 35 locations have been approved under the community-based CCTV scheme, with a total of almost €950,000 committed to these projects.

Justice Plan 2022, which I published this week, commits to the publication of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill, which relates to Garda powers to use modern digital technology including body worn cameras, ANPR and CCTV, with a view to enactment by the Oireachtas. The bill will also provide statutory underpinning for recording, which will include CCTV authorised in local communities by the Garda Commissioner. As part of the proposed bill, it is intended to repeal Section 38 of the 2005 Garda Act and to replace it with new CCTV provisions.

I secured government agreement for the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill on 29 April 2021. The General Scheme was sent to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting, and drafting is continuing. It is my intention to publish the bill in the second quarter of 2022 with a view to its passage through the Oireachtas later this year.

Community-based CCTV is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee;

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller; and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.

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