Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 354: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will provide funding for the installation of closed-circuit television cameras for Clonmel; the time scale for the installation; when the work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27639/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Clonmel is one of 17 locations nationwide to be selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. This programme of installing 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 Clonmel, 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 the 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.