Vol. 558 No. 1
443 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria used for the selection of locations for closed circuit television; the reason the offer of funding for closed circuit television cameras in the Finglas area made by the Finglas-Cabra drugs task force was not taken up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23738/02]
Applications for Garda CCTV systems are assessed by the advisory committee, established by the Garda Commissioner to evaluate CCTV applications, on the basis of Garda operational needs and include the following criteria: crime-public order statistics in the area; population and level of activity there; the recommendation of local Garda management; any special circumstances – needs that exist; and the likely impact of a Garda CCTV system to the area.
Co-funding is also a feature of Garda CCTV systems and this is usually addressed when it has been decided to install a Garda CCTV system in an area.
Finglas is one of 17 locations set to receive new Garda CCTV systems over the next two years – subject to the availability of funds. The other locations – in alphabetical order – are Athlone, Ballyfermot, Bray, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Ennis, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford.
In relation to Finglas, it was intended that the system would consist of nine cameras to be monitored from Finglas Garda station. An offer has, however, been made from statutory and other bodies to fund additional cameras for incorporation in the Finglas scheme. This offer has been referred to the advisory committee where it is currently under consideration. Upon receipt of the committee's recommendation, I expect to be in a position to decide on the matter.
