Catherine Murphy
Ceist:558. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice when she intends to bring forward the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 for Second Stage debate. [57941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 November 2022
Ceisteanna (558, 559)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:559. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she has been in contact with representatives of the European Commission in relation to the way the proposed EU Artificial Intelligence Act will interact with the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022; and, if so, if she will provide details of the issues raised. [57942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, Government approved publication of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 on 4 August this year. 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.
Work is progressing within my Department on Committee Stage amendments to the Bill and I hope to be able to progress this important piece of legislation in the early part of the new year.
The draft EU Artificial Intelligence Act is currently being negotiated. Aspects of the draft proposals concerning real-time Facial Recognition Technology usage by police are relevant to the amendments being prepared for the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill. My Department is closely monitoring the progress of negotiations and the Digital Recording Bill will be fully compliant with requirements of the AI Act when it is agreed.
I can inform the Deputy that my Department has made contact with European Commission officials to inform them of the Government's proposals in the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill and this engagement will continue as the Bill progresses.
Question No. 559 answered with Question No. 558.