Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I am glad the Minister agrees with the concept. With the changes in technology, CCTV does not involve such large costs as it did in the past. With secure Internet connections, the equipment is relatively cheap. Most public houses have CCTV cameras installed. I know of one publican living abroad who can watch his pub from his computer, especially when he is on the beach, to see if anyone is up to no good. I am not saying we must go down that road but CCTV is cheaper than it was before. Other issues arise from this provision and the amendment was to ensure there was some debate on it. Practical problems exist regarding audio and non-audio footage.

It is not just the godfathers of crime who demand video tapes from people of their interviews with the Garda. It also occurs at the lower levels with thugs demanding tapes. Two weeks ago, the distraught mother of a young man who had been in custody attended my clinic. She wanted the tape of the interview to protect her young child from being brutalised by a gang which suspected him of passing on information. I informed her she should ask for a copy of the tape as I knew what this gang had done in the past. I have not spoken to her since but I will speak to the Garda on the case. It is not just the godfathers who demand copies of interviews from individuals. We must ensure that what was introduced as a safeguard measure and a useful tool for the courts is not used against people who give information while in Garda custody or may have nothing to do with a case.

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