Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to mention the issue raised yesterday by members of the Garda Representative Association, GRA, who called on the Government to roll out the deployment of body-worn cameras for members of the Garda Síochána. It is a great initiative that would bring transparency for those behind the camera as well as those in front of it. It is widely used across Europe with very positive feedback. The London Metropolitan Police Service has deployed approximately 22,000 cameras on its members and has experienced very positive results such as greater transparency in relation to detections and, interestingly, a drop in the number of fictitious complaints against members of the police force. I ask the Leader to mention this to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, in order that a similar initiative be deployed in this country.

I compliment students of DCU and Trinity College Dublin on the initiative announced yesterday which involved the team creating several property websites to advertise the rent-a-room scheme. As Members are aware, any householder can rent out a room and receive up to €14,000 tax free, which is very welcome. All Members know of the chronic shortage of accommodation that will arise in the coming months as students from every part of the country come to Dublin to seek a place to stay. I encourage property owners and householders to consider the scheme and its merits and perhaps open their door to students from all parts of the country who are trying to find accommodation in order to further their studies.