Vol. 524 No. 4
127 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the long delay in the introduction of CCTV in the centre of Cork city; if he has satisfied himself that sufficient Garda personnel are available to monitor the system; and when the system will be introduced. [22740/00]
Invitations to tender for the supply, installation and commissioning of a Garda CCTV system in Cork city were advertised in the national press and in the supplement to the Official Journal of the European Communities. The closing date for the receipt of tenders was 10 August 1999. The tenders were then evaluated and I approved the placing of a contract for the Cork City CCTV system with SKS Communication Limited in December 1999.
A meeting of all the parties concerned (i.e. my Department, Garda Síochána, Cork Business Association, ESB, Cork Corporation, SKS Communication Limited) took place in January 2000. Camera sites were surveyed to determine the optimum location/positioning of the cameras and to identify the owners of any buildings where cameras and equipment were to be placed.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a problem was discovered in relation to the underground ducting for cables, and I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the ducting problem is currently being resolved.
As regards Garda personnel, the detailed allocation of Garda resources is a matter for the Commissioner. For my part I have increased the number of gardaí to record levels. The force has been increased from 10,800 in 1997 to 11,600 at present and I have just authorised a new recruitment campaign that will bring the number to 12,000 by 2002. CCTV allows the more efficient use of existing resources and, therefore, should be a net contributor rather than a drain on resources. The level of monitoring required in a particular area depends on a number of operational factors and will be determined by the Garda authorities.
The question of monitoring CCTV generally is under review by the Garda authorities.
