John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1141: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a closed circuit television system will be installed in Kilkenny city; the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1436/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy is aware, Kilkenny is one of the 11 remaining locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme. As part of this programme, Garda town centre CCTV systems are to be implemented in the following locations: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Ennis, Kilkenny, Sligo, Tallaght and Waterford.

As I have indicated previously, I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of this CCTV programme and reduce as far as possible the workload of the Garda Síochána in this 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.

In recent months the Garda Síochána has conducted a thorough examination of 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; and the most appropriate procurement model in terms of commercial viability and cost-effectiveness for the provision of town centre CCTV systems.

I have recently received a comprehensive and innovative proposal for the project management and the outsourced service provision of 11 CCTV systems, including Kilkenny, from the Garda Commissioner. I have also approved a further six locations to be added to this project.

The Garda authorities wish to commence the initial public procurement process and I am also anxious to proceed urgently with this comprehensive request for tender to source the best CCTV service possible for Kilkenny and the other 16 locations selected. This will happen in conjunction with the imminent commencement of section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides a legislative basis for the operation of CCTV in public places. My Department is currently in consultation with the Department of Finance with a view to proceeding as quickly as possible with the procurement process to contract the project managers and outsourced service providers for the development, installation and management of these CCTV systems.

My ambition is to have a Garda CCTV system operating in Kilkenny and in the other locations, at the earliest opportunity, subject to the limitations of compliance with relevant procurement legislation and procedures.