Martin Kenny
Ceist:107. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda vehicles, including unmarked cars and vans, that have operational dash cam technology. [61143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 December 2022
Ceisteanna (107)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently no vehicles in the Garda fleet that have dash cameras.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published on 4th August 2022. Section 9 of the Bill provides a power for a member of Garda personnel acting in the course of his or her duties to operate a digital recording device. With a view to future proofing, the legislation does not specify the type of device that may be operated. It could include a dash camera.
As the Deputy can appreciate the choice of recording devices will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide on.