Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate, in what is another component of the programme for Government and the adoption of the report on the Commission on the Future of Policing In Ireland, which called for the deployment of body cameras for members of An Garda Síochána. As many speakers have said, this is not just for the purposes of rooting out criminality but it is also for the protection of the public and members of An Garda Síochána itself. Deputy Martin Kenny mentioned in the initial part of his contribution that nearly every day in other jurisdictions body cameras are used for the purposes of identifying criminals or recording their activity, particularly in the US because we see the other side of it as well. I am not suggesting that there is some sort of widespread problem but if there is a minor problem we will be able to identify it if the body camera is on. Whether that is a matter of discipline for otherwise, it would be a matter for the member's superiors in An Garda Síochána.

It is important that we have the opportunity, not just to explore the introduction of this legislation but that we explore other facets that the Minister has mentioned. The most important part of this Bill, outside of the body cameras or technology for An Garda Síochána, is the regularisation of CCTV, which every Member of this House and the Seanad, and every member of the local authorities up and down the country will know is plagued with problems. I can give examples of this and I am sure the Minister has one or two examples in his constituency as well, as I have visited it during large-scale events like the Bray Air Display. For instance, when there was a concert in my hometown of Malahide, CCTV was to go in to ensure orderly conduct, among other things. Some money was expended and cameras were acquired but they were never installed, even though a commitment was given, because of the concern we all know about between the local authority and An Garda Síochána. This Bill regularises that matter.

Like Deputy Ó Ríordáin, I am a recent appointee to the Joint Committee on Justice. I was on it for seven years prior a number of years ago but I did not have the opportunity to look into this Bill when it came before us. I recognise its importance and the robustness of the terms of use are clearly important. I would go so far as to agree with Deputy Ó Ríordáin on his remark regarding facial recognition technology. If there is an opportunity for us to hear from outside bodies and officials within the Department, or both, in between Stages, then that could be facilitated by a Chair, on agreement with the committee membership. If there are genuine concerns, there will be an opportunity for that. I welcome the Bill, I thank the Minister for bringing it before the House and I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me a few extra seconds.

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