Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Stanley for this question. I am particularly familiar with the situation at national level and particularly in the area mentioned by the Deputy. It is an important crime prevention measure. I am very pleased that the Government has made available, through my Department, a sum to allow community CCTV.

There is a regulatory framework. I assure Deputy Stanley and Members that I am very keen to deal with this issue in a satisfactory manner. The regulatory framework to which I refer involves the local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the Data Protection Commissioner. I imagine everyone will agree there must be a proper legislative framework for this sensitive issue. I am keen to resolve the matter. Officials from my Department are engaged with the County and City Management Association and local communities with a view towards resolving the matter in order that the CCTV system can be up and running across the country at the earliest opportunity. Twenty-six of the 31 local authorities have now embraced the scheme in accordance with the regulations. I am anxious to sit down with the remaining handful of local authorities with a view towards dealing with the issue to which Deputy Stanley referred.

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