Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

556 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the technical specifications required for the provision of closed circuit television cameras in various urban locations around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24818/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the competitive tendering process to award contracts for the supply, installation and commissioning of Garda Síochána CCTV systems, which are awarded through my Department, requires that a detailed technical specification be prepared. This specification sets out the technical specifications of the cameras to be used and also takes into account technological developments in this area. The specification then forms part of the request for tender document which is published by my Department once a decision has been taken to initiate a tendering process.

The request for tender documents used in the tendering process for the provision of Garda CCTV systems in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick contains the most recently published technical specifications for Garda CCTV systems. I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy under separate cover.

It is understandably not possible for the Garda Síochána to install CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. Some applications for Garda CCTV systems relate to relatively small schemes which, while of importance to the local community, cannot be regarded as a national Garda priority.

To this end, a grant-aid scheme was launched to facilitate community based groups who wish to press ahead with their own local CCTV system. Grant assistance of up to €100,000, subject to the availability of funds, will be obtainable from my Department towards the cost of such systems.

A prospectus has been prepared by my Department which provides information on how to apply for grant-aid funding, outlines the application process and identifies the main issues that applicants will need to consider. A code of practice, drawn up in co-operation with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, and detailed technical specifications, drawn up by the Garda Síochána, are almost complete. When both of these documents have been finalised, copies of same will issue to all communities and organisations who expressed an interest in the scheme. Any applications subsequently received will be evaluated and processed.