Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 708: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on the use of closed circuit television cameras by private persons; if officials have examined a possible amendment to the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11114/06]

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 the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform are examining a possible amendment to the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person 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.