Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. I wish to discuss the issue of CCTV. We all know CCTV is an invaluable tool in deterring people from engaging in offences and public disorder. It is also a valuable tool when a crime is committed or when public disorder occurs. It enhances and enables the investigative process and can assist in the identification of perpetrators. In fact, a 2013 study by the UK College of Policing found that an estimated 16 out of every 100 crimes were prevented through the use of CCTV. Specifically on vehicular crime, for every 100 crimes, an average of 26 crimes were prevented. Inhabitants of many towns could point to instances and certain areas in their towns that have become no-go areas, especially at night. CCTV has the ability to provide major assistance to all crime prevention measures being undertaken across all sectors of society.

People are sick and tired of assaults and antisocial behaviour, including littering. The benefit of CCTV systems, particularly in urban areas, is immeasurable. In that respect, the community CCTV scheme is an excellent initiative but, unfortunately, the implementation of the scheme leaves an awful lot to be desired. It is, and has been for a number of years, the source of significant frustration in towns such as Monaghan, where the application process first began in 2017. This scheme should have ensured that towns like Monaghan and many others elsewhere had their CCTV systems up and running long ago. Communities and the Garda want it. We all have a responsibility to bring in whatever measures are possible to assist gardaí to do their jobs.

There was an impasse for some time with regard to the issue of data control. In the meantime, assaults and burglaries have continued throughout the country. This impasse cannot be allowed to continue when people are at risk of assault on our streets. Many schemes were approved for funding, including €25,000 for Monaghan town in June 2020. Unfortunately, it has yet to get off the ground. I am aware that the general scheme of the Garda Síochána digital recording Bill 2021 was approved by the Government and published on 29 April 2021. We are waiting for that legislation to pass through both Houses. At the time, the Minister also outlined that it was planned to have a further review of the terms and conditions of the current CCTV scheme to bring it into line with the proposals in this new legislation.

In summary, we are saying that there are no doubts about the benefits of CCTV. That much we all agree on, but the lack of progress in bringing schemes like this to fruition is very frustrating. I am hopeful that the Minister of State will give some indication of progress in this regard. Have the obstacles regarding data control now been overcome? When can we look forward to these schemes being rolled out? People have been waiting too long for that.