Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on the use of closed circuit television cameras by private individuals; the position on the use of closed circuit televisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides a legislative basis for the operation of CCTV systems in public places for the purposes of crime prevention and crime detection by the Garda Síochána and community based groups. It does not apply to persons operating CCTV cameras on their premises for the purposes of protecting persons or property on the premises or environs.

Officials of my Department are examining a possible amendment to the Non-Fatal Offences Act 1997 to make it an offence to video record or photograph persons without their knowledge in any place that a person could reasonably expect privacy. I will bring any proposals in this regard to the Government in the normal way.