John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 952: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe for the provision of a closed circuit television system for Kilkenny city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24793/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, Kilkenny is one of 17 locations nationwide which have been selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. That programme of CCTV systems is being implemented on a phased basis as follows: phase 1 — Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick; phase 2 — Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford; phase 3 — Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo. Phase 1 has been completed in five of the six locations.

Installation of CCTV systems is of necessity a detailed, complex and lengthy process. I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of the CCTV programme, and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in that regard. I believe that the answer is to outsource the installation of Garda CCTV systems to the greatest extent possible, making use not only of the technical but also of the project management expertise in the private sector. I have asked the Commissioner to submit proposals for outsourced CCTV systems in the 11 locations in the remaining two phases, with a view to achieving implementation in priority locations, including Kilkenny, by the end of 2006.

As a first step in that process, the Garda authorities engaged a consultancy firm to examine all aspects of Garda involvement in CCTV systems, including: the installation, operation and management of CCTV systems; monitoring, recording and related activities; accommodation and situation of facilities and staff regarding the town CCTV system and Garda station premises; and assessment of civilianisation of Garda CCTV monitoring conducted under the management of the Garda Síochána.

The consultancy firm also examined which procurement model is the most suitable regarding commercial viability and cost-effectiveness for the provision of town centre CCTV systems. That consultancy process has recently concluded, and the Garda authorities are now finalising their proposals in consultation with my Department.