Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

This is a critical issue for us as policymakers and legislators. Digital video CCTV cameras are increasingly prevalent and full of potential, as well as risks. We need to be careful in getting the balance right between the requirement for privacy and the need for good enforcement of road safety and other measures. There was extensive consultation with the Office of the Attorney General on these provisions regarding CCTV cameras because it had a central role in assessing some of the recent court cases and advising us on the steps we are taking. We have also referred the matter to the Data Protection Commission and will have to continue to do so very extensively because it has a critical role in making sure whatever regulations are put in place get that balance right between the right to privacy and the protections needed in the sharing of data. This legislation solely relates to cameras operated by TII and local authorities, for whatever purposes. It does not relate to personal private cameras and how they might be used in evidence. That is a matter for the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. There will be evolving legislation in that area and the Minister for Justice is working on that. This does not relate to Garda cameras or cameras other than the ones operated by TII and local authorities.

This is a step in the right direction. It gives certainty around the use of these cameras but it does not address the wider fundamental issues raised here. I understand the potential benefits from the use of personal cameras, and prosecutions on the back of that, but I have some concerns about this in a world where AI capabilities and other mechanisms are being used. Concerns around the erosion of personal privacy are real and we have to get the balance right in how we use this technology. What we are doing here primarily relates to traffic management. While faces or numberplates may occasionally be seen, this legislation does not carry those risks of breaching people's privacy. The regulations we will create in conjunction with the Data Protection Commissioner will give us assurance in that regard and we will not do it without that reassurance.

With regard to the wider issue of the use of personal and-or Garda cameras, I would be slightly nervous about adopting what the UK or other countries are doing . There are real concerns about some basic rights and privacy concerns about how cameras may be used in certain other jurisdictions. We have to be careful that we do not inadvertently bring in other effects that are not in the minds of Deputies here. We are working with the Department of Justice on this matter and will continue to do so.