Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
890. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the community-based CCTV system; if there are plans to announce how local authorities can apply for funding to operate community-based CCTV systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14572/24]
View answerCommunity safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
As 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.
Grants of over €950,000 for 35 Community CCTV schemes have been approved to date.
Last week I announced that €1million in funding is available and that funding will go towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. The new wave of funding underlines my Department’s commitment to work with Local Authorities to promote community safety. The Department is now open to applications from Local Authorities for funding, through the established application channels.
The legal framework which provides for the operation of community CCTV requires that any proposed scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee (JPC)*,
• 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, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have their say in keeping their community safe as they will be able to request schemes in their area.
The Act is to be commenced in stages.
*The introduction of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), to replace JPCs, was provided for in the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which was signed into law by the President in February. This Act will be commenced later this year.
