Brendan Smith
Ceist:893. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice the proposals, if any, to extend CCTV coverage to towns in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37064/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 July 2023
Ceisteanna (893)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.
The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.
The Community-based CCTV scheme is currently governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006), GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:
• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Bill, community groups will be able to request schemes in their area.
It is envisaged the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide, will be the appropriate avenue to do so, given that local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the partnerships.
The Local Authorities will take the lead and make the applications going forward and have full responsibility for the implementation and managing the data protection aspects of having a scheme in place.
In relation to approved applications from Cavan and Monaghan, I can inform the Deputy that in June 2020 Monaghan town availed of the scheme and were approved funding of €40,000 towards their CCTV operations and an additional maintenance grant of €5,000. To date Monaghan County Council have drawn down €25,000 of this funding. €20,000 is still available upon certification of completion.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 will also extend the powers governing Garda use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity. The Bill provides powers for An Garda Síochána to access third party CCTV on a live-feed basis to support them in carrying out their function, subject to strict guidelines and oversight.