Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for allowing me to raise this issue which, unlike many of the issues that are raised in this House, creates no resource implications nor is there any seeking of grant aid or State money. I merely ask that the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána would facilitate the system of cameras in rural areas predominantly, but also in urban areas, due to the increase in burglaries and the fear of credit crunch crime that is particularly evident in rural areas. There was a 32% increase in recorded break-ins in my constituency of Laois-Offaly in 2011. This statistic is the second highest in the country. I am sure I speak for every Member when I express concern at the increase in crime and crime against property in particular.

The issue I raise is compounded by a reduction in resources available. We all accept these are challenging times and that budgetary reductions impinge upon the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána as much as any other sector. There are fewer gardaí, an older Garda transport fleet with clapped out cars in some cases and fewer Garda patrols, whether on foot, bike or car. The total number of gardaí is reduced and there is a continuing threat to rural Garda stations. The Minister recently announced his intention to close some more stations. Even accepting the difficult financial situation, we must acknowledge the very important role of communities and what they can contribute towards the coming together of groups and the prevention of crime. I contend one such way would be the pooling of financial resources to install CCTV cameras in their areas. I am most cognisant of the privacy and data protection and data collection issues and Garda issues.

I refer to section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 which allows the Garda Commissioner to apply such consent. The local authorities should employ a local authority liaison officer to liaise with the Garda liaison officer and the local communities.

I compliment the community alert organisations and neighbourhood watch committees for their endeavours up and down the country. I ask that the Department of Justice and Equality and the Garda Síochána co-ordinate with regard to the letter and spirit of section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, to facilitate the installation, in a very careful manner, of cameras in local communities. Local authorities must interact with the Garda Síochána and also with community groups. The law facilitates a designated local authority official to act as the data controller to ensure proper and responsible operation of the camera system. A code of practice has been published by the Department of Justice and Equality and this will ensure that public confidence in the operation of community-based CCTV systems is maintained.

What I am asking for does not involve the expenditure of any money on the part of the State and neither does it involve the changing of any law nor the introduction of any new regulations. Instead, it involves the will and commitment on the part of the Department and the Garda Síochána at senior level and the local authorities, to ensure that we can bring this to bear. Communities wish to protect their own people and their own property and I encourage them to do so and the State should assist them in so doing.

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