Liam Hyland
Ceist:24 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to extend to other areas closed circuit cameras such as the one in Temple Bar, Dublin 2, with a view to preventing criminal offences. [3832/96]
Written Answers. - Use of Closed Circuit Cameras.
The closed circuit television, CCTV, monitoring system currently in operation in the Temple Bar area of Dublin city was launched on 26 October 1995. The pilot scheme is the first of its kind in this country and was introduced in the Temple Bar area with the co-operation of local interests. A review of all aspects of the system, including technical aspects, has recently commenced to evaluate its effectiveness during its initial period of operation. Proposals for further systems in other areas will be examined in detail in the light of the overall policy established following the review.
While I reiterate my commitment to the introduction of CCTV as an aid to policing I am anxious to ensure that the experience gained from the installation and operation of the Temple Bar scheme is used to maximum advantage when extended to other areas. It would be premature at this stage, in advance of the review of the pilot scheme, to comment conclusively on the likely value of CCTV in reducing crime in this jurisdiction. However, early indications from the Garda authorities are that the use of CCTV has had a beneficial effect on crime prevention and detection in the area in which it has been located and that there have been a number of arrests to date following incidents recorded by the cameras in the Temple Bar area.