Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies representing County Tipperary for raising this important issue. I am fully aware of the situation, representing as I do a neighbouring constituency. The CCTV scheme, to which the Deputies refer, however, is not a Garda scheme or a State scheme. It is a community-based scheme for which a sum of €3 million is available from the State over a period of three years. There are three basic conditions to be met, and which can be and are being met. First, there must be approval from the local joint policing committee, and there is an active joint policing committee in County Tipperary. Second, it needs the consent and approval of the Garda Commissioner. This can be done by way of a report from the local crime prevention officer. Third, the local authority must, under law, act as data controller. This cannot be done by An Garda Síochána because this is in essence a community scheme.

Having regard to the fact that the problem appears to be of sufficient proportions to warrant the raising of the matter in the Dáil, I would be happy to have officials from my Department assist with many of the local community groups. These funds are available and are being drawn down, and I urge community groups in Tipperary to continue to make their application and to comply with what is an acceptable framework.

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