Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As my party's justice and equality spokesperson, I attend a number of meetings throughout the country on rural and urban crime. Very large crowds attend those meetings and they are not turning up to see me. They are attending because of significant concern among communities both rural and urban in respect of crime. An issue consistently raised at these meetings is the necessity to have more CCTV cameras in the vicinity as they act as a deterrent. We can see in certain communities where CCTV cameras are used that they deter criminal activity.

Unfortunately, the scheme introduced by the Government is extremely laborious and complicated; it makes it very difficult for local communities to apply for it. For example, it requires the local authority to be the data controller in light of the General Data Protection Regulation, GDPR, which we will discuss later today. It also requires proof that the design of the CCTV system is acceptable to local residents in terms of location of equipment and privacy rights. It also requires proof that the applicant can provide the necessary funds to sustain the project for a five-year period. I note the Minister indicates there are approximately 35 Garda CCTV schemes in operation but we need more and the Minister needs to make it easier to apply for them.

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