Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
65. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice when gardaí can expect to have body worn cameras; the benefits she expects this development to bring; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60556/22]
View answer71. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the deployment of body cameras for An Garda Síochána; if new legislation is necessary to provide for them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60380/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 71 together.
The unprecedented €2.14 billion allocated to An Garda Síochána under Budget 2023 demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Gardaí have the resources they need to carry out their vital service. This includes the provision of €3m for preparatory work to support the introduction of body worn cameras along with €6 million for new ballistic vests to protect frontline Gardaí.
The Deputy may be aware that the Government published the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 on 4 August last, which will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated in their report that policing organisations around the world have found that such devices can help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situational awareness, and sometimes protect police from harm.
While deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I am supportive of them being brought into operation at the earliest opportunity.
