Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
550. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if housing resident associations are eligible for the community-based CCTV scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55161/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department launched the Community-based CCTV Grant-aid Scheme in April 2017, as the vehicle to assist community groups in the establishment of CCTV systems in their local areas. The Scheme is intended to support local communities who wish to install and maintain CCTV security systems in their areas, with the aim of increasing public safety and to deter illegal or anti-social behaviour.
Under the Scheme, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum grant of €40,000.
Eligible groups can include existing community-based not-for-profit organisations that are broadly representative of the community and community-based, not-for-profit, consortium of private and community interests under the aegis of an existing lead organisation. The key requirement is that the lead organisation for all applications must be an existing, legally registered body, which can include bodies registered for tax or charity purposes.
Some of the other key requirements of the Scheme are that the proposal must—
- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
- have the prior support of the relevant Local Authority, which must also act as Data Controller – this is a long-standing statutory requirement, set out in the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 289 of 2006), for the establishment of community CCTV systems generally, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner in accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
Full details of the Scheme, including comprehensive guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie.
