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Closed Circuit Television Systems

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2012

Wednesday, 26 September 2012

Ceisteanna (70, 71, 72)

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

70. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department funds the installation of CCTV cameras in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40903/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

71. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of State run schools that have installed CCTV cameras in the school building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40904/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mary Mitchell O'Connor

Ceist:

72. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the incidence of school break ins have dropped with the installation of CCTV in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40905/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70 to 72, inclusive, together. I wish to advise the Deputy that the general security of the school community is one of the issues considered in the architectural design of new school buildings and major extensions. This includes the provision of perimeter fencing, CCTV, smoke and fire alarms, emergency exits etc., as an integral part of the design process. In addition, over the past number of years, school authorities had the opportunity under Summer Works and Minor Works Grant Schemes to carry out works to improve school security. However, due to competing demands on my Department's capital budget, imposed by the need to prioritise the limited funding available for the provision of additional school accommodation to meet increasing demographic requirements, it is not possible for me to advance with these Schemes for the foreseeable future. My Department does not have access to specific data in respect of the number of schools that have installed CCTV cameras or the impact of CCTV installation on the incidence of school break-ins. Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues, including making adequate security arrangements at schools. School authorities should liaise with their local Gardaí who are best placed to provide practical advice and support and to make recommendations on how best to mitigate the potential risk to the school.

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