Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice I wish to thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Senator will be aware that the community-based CCTV is currently governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006, which is SI 289 of 2006. This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must, first, be approved by the local joint policing committee, second, have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and, third, have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner. This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.

It is important to note that decisions in respect of the introduction or extension of Garda CCTV systems are matters for the Garda Commissioner and not for the Minister for Justice. Since 2017 the Department of Justice has administered a grant aid scheme to support groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their areas. Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system up to a maximum total of €40,000. On behalf of the Minister I can confirm that funding continues to be available for 2021.

The Senator may also be aware that the grant aid scheme was recently extended to cover not only new CCTV systems but to allow funding applications for extension or upgrade of existing community CCTV systems that are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants can now seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs. A total of 34 applications have been approved under the community CCTV scheme to date, with the value of grants awarded totalling €888,689.

It is important to emphasise that this funding can only be considered for CCTV systems that meet the legal requirements I have already outlined. Senator Gallagher has asked about Monaghan town. I understand the community CCTV scheme for Monaghan was approved by the Garda Commissioner. I can confirm the Monaghan town application for a grant of €45,000 for the community CCTV scheme has been approved by the Department of Justice and the payment of the first instalment of €25,000 was made to Monaghan County Council in July last year. I am also aware that Monaghan County Council has applied to An Garda Síochána for an amendment to the scheme that was initially proposed. The amendment was to increase the number of CCTV cameras from eight to 30. The Minister for Justice is keen to be of assistance and has asked the Department of Justice officials to obtain an update from An Garda Síochána in respect of this application. The Minister will write to the Senator on receipt of an update.

The role of the data controller for CCTV schemes is relevant as well. The Senator will be aware that the Department of Justice has published the general scheme of the Garda Síochána (digital recording) Bill at the end of last month. The general scheme puts forward several amendments to the operation of CCTV schemes to provide for robust oversight in response to concerns raised by the Data Protection Commissioner. I understand the Minister's priority now is to ensure community groups can continue to be supported in their valued contributions to their local CCTV schemes while ensuring sufficient proportionate oversight of data protection statutory considerations. I hope that update will be of assistance to the Senator on this matter.