Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
42. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the codes of practice for CCTV, particularly in relation to their use by local authorities for the detection of dumping, following recent developments where the LGMA submitted the codes of practice to him for approval; when these codes will be approved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54119/23]
View answerThe Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is continuing to work on the finalisation of draft Codes of Practice and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), which are fundamental to the future operation of CCTV schemes aimed at assisting waste enforcement and anti-litter efforts, including the monitoring of illegal dumping and dog fouling. The LGMA circulated draft Codes of Practice and DPIAs to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Minister for Justice and the Data Protection Commission as part of the required consultation process and I understand all bodies have now responded to the LGMA with their views.
Separate codes of practice are required for the operation of CCTV schemes under both the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act, while a further Code of Practice is required for the use of "mobile recording devices" (e.g. bodycams etc) under the Waste Management Act. DPIAs must also be carried out as part of this process.
I understand this LGMA process is now at an advanced stage so I hope to be in a position to give final approval to these Codes of Practice in the near future.
