Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Deputy McEntee on her appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality. I am delighted to be here today, the day the renewal of certain provisions of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 comes before the House. I am passionate about fighting crime at every level of society. While the provisions under discussion today deal with highly important aspects of criminal justice, such as criminal prosecution in the Special Criminal Court, it is also important to do our part at local level to assist An Garda Síochána in building safer communities in which we can live, work and play. I have worked tirelessly to do that in all my years in political office.

In 2017, the communities of Duleek and Donore installed top of the range closed circuit television, CCTV, to help An Garda Síochána in the fight against criminality in the area. I became a victim this year as a result of criminality in our area and drug crime.In late 2018, the Data Protection Commissioner informed the data controller that because of number plate recognition software, our system was in breach of GDPR guidelines. This aspect of the monitoring system had to be disabled as there is currently no legislation in place that allows the Garda to use this software. It is unbelievable that number plate recognition can be used at toll bridges, airports, ports and multistorey car parks to take money from people, yet it cannot be used in the fight against crime. This is one goal that I wish to address with the help of legislators in the House. I have no doubt this law will provide a great tool to assist the Garda throughout the country in the fight against crime.