Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are all aware of how closed-circuit television, CCTV, systems can assist to identify criminals and to deter criminals in the first instance from committing assaults and other crimes in towns and villages. Over the past three or four years €3 million has been allocated to the installation of CCTV in our towns and villages, but unfortunately only four applications have been approved to date. The low number is worrying and clearly signifies we have a problem that needs to be looked at. People are sick and tired of assaults and antisocial behaviour, including littering. The benefit of CCTV systems particularly in urban areas is immeasurable. It can assist gardaí, who are short in numbers, in their role. A light should be flashing over the low uptake level. Clearly communities want this but unfortunately the application process is too cumbersome and applicants are walking away from it.

There is another issue with GDPR. The County and City Management Association, CCMA, has instructed all councils not to process applications because apparently there is an issue with who holds the data and who the data controller is. For example, if a camera is mounted in a Garda station an issue arises as to who the controller is in that case. There has been at an impasse for some time and in the meantime assaults, littering and burglaries are all taking place throughout the country. The Minister needs to get a hold of the issue. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister to the House so that we can discuss the scheme in general. He might be in a position to inform us that he has the GDPR issue resolved to the benefit of everyone.