Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
97. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider renewing and extending Garda based CCTV systems in view of the poor uptake in grant applications to date for community based CCTV systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16228/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct but complementary categories, namely Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems. Neither type of CCTV system may be established without authorisation by the Garda Commissioner under section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, among other requirements.
Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of An Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no role in that regard.
Regarding community-based CCTV schemes, it should be noted that in late 2015, An Garda Síochána reviewed the effectiveness of CCTV systems in the context of the consideration then being given to the introduction of a new round of funding for community CCTV systems.
An Garda Síochána indicated that it utilises CCTV in almost every criminal investigation, during major public events and sporting occasions, in the investigation of road traffic incidents and in many other areas requiring police action; and that CCTV is particularly effective when the cameras are visible and awareness about their presence is such as to raise consciousness amongst would be offenders. As such, I understand that An Garda Síochána is supportive of community CCTV systems.
Under the grant-aid scheme launched by my Department last year to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas, eligible 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.
To date 4 applications under the scheme have been approved, with approved funding totalling almost €120,000. This is a not inconsiderable sum for the parties concerned. A further 4 applications are under active consideration and another 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned, to enable them to provide the information necessary to qualify for grant-aid.
I am very anxious to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, take advantage of the availability of this grant aid scheme. Full details of the grant aid package including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation are all available to download from my Department's website - www.justice.ie
Support and guidance is available to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email address available for this purpose - communitycctv@justice.ie
