Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no moneys have been provided to finance the installation of a closed circuit television scheme in Mullingar, County Westmeath; if consideration will be given to ensure the allocation of appropriate funds to the parties interested in ensuring same is provided in Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26716/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Garda closed circuit television, CCTV systems are funded directly from a provision within the Garda Vote. Finance for Garda CCTV systems is allocated each year in the Estimates process, with the amount sought being based on current and planned Garda projects.

Some 17 priority locations nationwide have been selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. This programme of implementation of CCTV systems is being implemented on a phased basis. The first phase includes Bray, Dundalk, Dun Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick; the second includes Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford; and the third comprises Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny and Sligo.

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 this regard. 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 Garda 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 by the end of 2006.

As a first step in this 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 in regard to 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 in terms of commercial viability and cost effectiveness for the provision of town centre CCTV systems. This consultancy process has recently concluded and the Garda authorities are now finalising their proposals in consultation with my Department.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that an application for a Garda CCTV system in Mullingar has been received and is under consideration by the advisory committee, along with applications from other cities and towns throughout the country. The inclusion of other town centre locations, including Mullingar, beyond the 17 already listed in the programme of Garda CCTV systems will be considered in the context of the revised procurement model.

The Deputy appreciates it is not possible for the Garda Síochána to install Garda CCTV systems in all areas that have sought them. To this end, I launched the community based CCTV scheme on 15 June 2005. This scheme has been developed in response to a demonstrated demand from local communities for the provision of CCTV systems. The scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Communities which are not ready to apply for full scheme funding, stage two, may apply for pre-development supports, stage one, to assist in the formulation of high-quality proposals that have the necessary elements of local support and sustainability.

The closing date for receipt of applications was 20 September 2005 and the scheme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Area Development Management Limited, ADM. I am informed by ADM that a total of 83 applications for funding under the community based CCTV scheme — 51 under stage one and 32 under stage two — were received by the closing date of 20 September 2005. An application for stage one funding has been received in respect of Mullingar and is under consideration.