Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy outlined two key issues, that is, we need to introduce this as quickly as possible, but we also need to ensure it is watertight and there are no challenges, particularly in the context of the GDPR rights of people. I am conscious we are probably one of the few countries that do not have these cameras yet. I am conscious this is not only important for protecting members of An Garda Síochána, but can also help them to do their job more effectively. In the context of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, the Garda Commissioner has repeatedly told me of the importance of Garda members who are first on the scene of an incident being able to get those first few minutes or seconds and that initial reaction on camera to have it as evidence.

I am conscious of the many reasons this legislation is important. That is why we are committing to significant increases in the Garda IT budget. It will take money as well as legislation to introduce this. We have to ensure we go out to tender and have codes of conduct and that all of this is done at the same time and can be progressed collectively. That work is all under way. That commitment is there and the intention is that the legislation will be enacted by the end of the year. It is to be hoped members of An Garda Síochána will be wearing this equipment as soon as possible.

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