I propose to take Questions Nos. 847, 915 and 1036 together.
The Deputies will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to supporting investment in CCTV systems. In pursuance of this commitment, a new Community-based CCTV grant-aid scheme was launched by my Department in 2017 to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. It is intended that the scheme will run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year.
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.
It is important to note that community CCTV is governed by section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme 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, and
- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of whether or not grant funding is sought from my Department to assist in their establishment.
It is not intended to amend the relevant legislation in the manner suggested and indeed I understand that the large majority of local authorities have previously undertaken to act as data controllers in the context of community CCTV, in the course of the previous grant-aid scheme operated by Pobal on behalf of the Department.
Further, it is important to note that, contrary to the suggestion in the letter referred to by Deputy Troy, I understand that the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner's Office has again confirmed that it is not querying and does not have any current concerns regarding the legislative underpinning of community CCTV systems. Rather, that office has signalled that it will later this year examine the operation and governance of community schemes, in terms of security, access and use of footage as well as new technologies.
My Department consulted broadly, including with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Attorney General and the Local Government Management Agency, in development of the scheme. Both the application process and documentation were updated and streamlined as compared to the earlier scheme, to make the process as user-friendly as possible while respecting the statutory requirements.
However the Department remains willing to engage further with all interested parties, including the association referred to, to provide any assistance which may be helpful in relation to the scheme. I am confident that through this engagement, the legal framework can be clarified to the satisfaction of all concerned.
The Department receives a regular flow of enquiries regarding the scheme from a broad spectrum of the public.
There have to date been 14 applications to the scheme. Five applications have been approved to date. Six applications are being considered. The remaining three applications have been returned to the applicants concerned to enable them to supply the information necessary to qualify for grant aid. In addition, the Department is aware of a further 13 applications in draft form and prepared for early submission.
Full details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website www.justice.ie. In addition, my officials remain available to provide assistance and guidance to any interested party in relation to the scheme, with a dedicated email address available for that purpose - communitycctv@justice.ie.
I am keen to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, have the opportunity to take advantage of the availability of this grant-aid scheme and I encourage any interested groups to make contact with any queries in relation to the scheme.
