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Information and Communications Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 June 2022

Thursday, 2 June 2022

Ceisteanna (352)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

352. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the status of her plans to support the roll-out of facial recognition technology; the analysis that her Department has conducted or has engaged others to conduct with respect to the ethical concerns around such technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28705/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Justice Plan 2022 commits to the publication of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill, previously called the Garda Síochána (Digital Recordings) Bill. This important legislation will make provision for Garda powers to use modern digital technology including body worn cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and CCTV.

As the Deputy may be aware, it is my intention to seek Cabinet approval to include measures to permit the use of facial recognition technology as Committee Stage amendments to the Bill.

My Department is in the process of drafting the amendments to give effect to these proposals. The amendments will set out precisely how the system will operate in practice, however it is important to say that they will be subject to appropriate safeguards and oversight. Further consultation is ongoing with stakeholders. My Department will continue to work with the Office of the Attorney General to complete this work. I will publish detailed proposals before Committee Stage of the Bill, which is expected to take place in the autumn.   

It is important to state that this technology will be an assistive technology to Gardaí. It will not replace individual Garda decision making, but it will be used to support Gardaí in their investigations to search and process evidence.

Facial recognition will not be used for indiscriminate surveillance – it will be used in very clearly defined circumstances to help Gardaí search CCTV and video footage. Any decisions taken, based on the results of this technology, that could adversely affect a citizen’s rights, will be taken by a trained Garda staff member.

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