Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
21. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice his plans for further investment into CCTV systems to aid and assist An Garda Síochána conduct policing in urban areas across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7736/23]
View answerI have recently introduced the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 into the Dáil which will extend the powers governing Garda use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity in line with the Programme for Government.
There are two types of CCTV scheme authorised by the Garda Commissioner under the Garda Síochána Act at present - Garda CCTV and Community CCTV Schemes.
As the Deputy may be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing the administration, budget and business of An Garda Síochána, which includes responsibility for Garda CCTV. As Minister, I have no direct role in this matter.
The Garda Commissioner provides for the authorisation of CCTV Schemes that are installed and operated for the sole and primary purpose of securing public order and safety in public places.
Section 38 (a) provides for Garda CCTV schemes operated by An Garda Síochána. Garda CCTV can assist with the deterrence, prevention, detection and prosecution of offences.
It does so within the administrative area of a Local Authority, having been approved by the Local Authority after consulting with the Joint Policing Committee for that administrative area.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are currently 47 Garda-controlled CCTV Schemes in operation throughout the state.
I am assured that the Garda National Crime Prevention Office continues to work with both local authorities and local Garda management to provide assistance with the application process.
Community-based CCTV is 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.
To date, 36 such schemes have been approved for funding by my Department with a value of €958,689 committed to these projects.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Bill, community groups will be able to request schemes in their area. It is envisaged the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide, will be the appropriate avenue to do so, given that local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the partnerships.
