Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2005
370 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the availability of audio visual facilities for interviewing prisoners in Garda stations; the number of Garda stations so equipped and the number not yet equipped; if closed circuit television in cells will be considered for prisoners who may put themselves at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28244/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda authorities inform me that audio and video recording facilities for recording of Garda questioning of detained persons is installed in 130 Garda stations.
It should be noted that it was never the intention that all Garda stations would be equipped to carry out audio and video recording of interviews. Rather the intention was that a sufficient number of interview rooms in Garda stations across the country be equipped to provide a broad nationwide coverage. In that regard, the most recent report of the steering committee on audio and audio and video recording of Garda questioning of detained persons found that, with the putting in place of additional units of equipment in a number of stations which already have the facility, there is a sufficient number of Garda stations, in all Garda divisions, to ensure that all interviews, as specified in the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Electronic Recording of Interviews) Regulations 1997 are recorded. Arising from the committee's report, I understand from the Garda authorities that a working group is examining the extension of these facilities. The committees' report was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in 13 June last.
On the issue of CCTV in cells, the Deputy will appreciate that matters of some complexity, not least the right to privacy, arise in this regard. The Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987 contain detailed provisions regarding the treatment of persons in custody in Garda stations, including the requirement on gardaí to make visits at regular intervals to any person kept in a cell and the appropriate actions to be taken where persons detained appear to be unwell. On a related issue, a pilot project is under way involving Pearse Street and Store Street Garda stations to place CCTV in the reception areas and in the corridors leading to the cells. The results of the pilot will be carefully considered and will, I expect, inform the debate on extension of CCTV to the interiors of cells.
