Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
483. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice if there are plans to extend funding for community CCTV in Tullow in order to sustain the valuable service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31118/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
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.
The Community-based CCTV scheme is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006), GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place,
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 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.
The Local Authorities will take the lead and make the applications going forward and have full responsibility for the implementation and managing the data protection aspects of having a scheme in place.
I can inform the Deputy that the current scheme is still open for applications and necessary funding is in place. In August of 2021 Tullow availed of a maintenance grant in relation to an existing CCTV system that was operational at the time.
I can also inform the Deputy that should Tullow wish to make an application for the extension or upgrade of an existing CCTV system they should liaise with the local Community Engagement Gardaí who can advise on the steps and process to obtain Garda Commissioner approval which is required before my Department can decide on funding.
