John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 505: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when closed circuit television will be installed in Waterford city centre and Dungarvan town centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35576/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, Waterford is one of 17 locations nationwide which has been selected to receive a Garda CCTV system. This programme of implementation of CCTV systems is being implemented on a phased basis as follows. Phase 1 includes Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Finglas, Galway and Limerick. Phase 2 includes Athlone, Clondalkin, Tallaght and Waterford. Phase 3 includes 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 this regard. I believe 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 Waterford, 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; 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.

As the Deputy is also aware, an application for a Garda CCTV system in Dungarvan has been received by the CCTV advisory committee. The inclusion of other town centre locations, including Dungarvan, beyond the 17 already listed in the programme of Garda CCTV systems will be considered in the context of the revised procurement model.