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

I thank the Deputy for the question. I am acutely conscious that the roll-out of community CCTV schemes across the country has benefited many communities, helping people to feel safer in their local areas. It ensures people are safe and supports the Garda in its work. It also supports local authorities, particularly in trying to address illegal dumping. A number of Bills are being progressed to try to ensure we have the most robust programmes in place. We have encouraged local authorities to establish these schemes and to work closely with the Garda.

The Garda Síochána (digital recording) Bill updates the technology including body-worn cameras, automatic number plate recognition and CCTV. I anticipate this legislation will be enacted by the Oireachtas this year. As part of the proposed Bill, it is intended to repeal section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and to replace it with new CCTV provisions. This will deliver on the programme for Government commitment to enhance the use of CCTV to help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity.

I have secured Government agreement for the general scheme of the Garda Síochána (digital recording) Bill. The general scheme was sent to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for formal drafting, which is continuing. I hope to enact this legislation as a priority later this year.

As the Deputy may be aware, a number of issues have arisen relating to GDPR, legislation which was introduced at a European level and which supersedes the 2005 Act. It is important to have new legislation to iron out any of the issues that have arisen between local authorities and the Garda.

The issue relating to illegal dumping is covered in a second Bill, the Circular Economy Bill, which is being progressed by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and which was published last Friday. This legislation will support local authorities to put in place CCTV schemes specifically targeting those involved in illegal dumping.

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