Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, for taking time from his schedule to be here. I wish to discuss closed-circuit television, CCTV, schemes and the delays being experienced in that regard. The Minister will agree that CCTV is an invaluable tool in the context of deterring people from engaging in crime or public disorder. In addition, CCTV can greatly assist the Garda in respect of public order issues or crimes during the investigation process and for the purpose of identifying those involved. Most importantly, CCTV gives comfort and security to communities throughout the country where there is a CCTV scheme in operation.

Last week, there was an incident in Monaghan town in which a young man was viciously assaulted late in the evening. Unfortunately, incidents of this nature are occurring too often. People are exhausted. They are sick and tired of public order offences and public disorder in the streets. The benefit of a properly running CCTV scheme cannot be underestimated with regard to such activity. Garda numbers are not what we would wish them to be and in situations where gardaí are not on the streets, the part CCTV can play is immeasurable. While CCTV will not replace the gardaí, it is important that we have CCTV schemes in operation.

With that in mind it is disappointing that delays are being experienced with schemes that should have been up and running long ago. There is a responsibility on the Government to ensure the schemes are implemented without delay. I understand that part of the problem relates to a general data protection regulation, GDPR, issue and who the data controller is.There is an ongoing dispute or impasse between the City and County Managers Association, CCMA, and the Department regarding the role of data controller. Meanwhile, as this impasse continues, assaults and other serious crimes are happening on a daily basis in many towns throughout the country. I heard recently that CCTV cameras were installed in Littleton, County Tipperary, more than 12 months ago but are not yet up and running. I am sure the Minister will agree that this is simply not good enough. Surely when it comes to matters of policing, responsibility lies with An Garda Síochána and not with the local authorities. I am hoping that the Minister will be able to shed some light on this issue in order that CCTV schemes that are at an impasse at the moment can progress and people will have the added security of knowing that the schemes are operational in their towns.