Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
398. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the grant for community closed circuit television systems; the way in which local groups can apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4962/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity-based CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 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 how they are funded and these key legal requirements have not changed since 2006. The option to establish a Community CCTV scheme is available to groups that meet these legal requirements, anywhere in the country.
Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area. To date, 26 applications have been approved under the scheme, involving approved grants totalling more than €607,000.
Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000 and it is now also possible for applicants to seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. The scheme permits applications not only new CCTV systems but also for extension or upgrade of existing Community CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete.
I must emphasise that grant funding can be considered only for CCTV systems which meet the legal requirements for CCTV, in other words CCTV systems which have been approved by the relevant Joint Policing Committee, the relevant Local Authority (also acting as Data Controller) and which have received the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
Full details of the Scheme, including guidelines, application forms, code of practice and other relevant documentation and are available to download from my Department's website, http://justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Community-Based-CCTV or by emailing fundsadmin-comm-based-cctv@justice.ie
