Mr. Hugh Hume:

It is a matter for Oireachtas to decide if body-worn video and facial recognition software should exist in the State. From GSOC's point of view, the equipment may be useful. Our comparator in Northern Ireland published reports on the use of body-worn video and how that allows it to assess complaints and make a determination around what has happened at an incident. No technology is infallible and the technology can be used for both good and bad. From GSOC's point of view, any introduction of technology must have robust policies and robust procedures for the protection of data and images to ensure they are not shared disproportionately. It would also mean an additional resourcing demand for GSOC. As opposed to the 3,000 allegations we receive yearly now, each one of those potentially could have a body-worn video image attached that we would have to receive, manage, store, keep safe and review. That could be much more resource intensive, both at the technical and human level, for us going forward. It is a matter for the Oireachtas. Whatever is brought in needs to be accompanied by proper, robust procedures that we and others can check to make sure there is no misconduct going on. There would be implications for GSOC. The wider issue for GSOC is around culture and practice within An Garda Síochána rather than the technology. Any technology can be abused and it is very important it is treated with respect.