Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 511: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the towns where closed circuit television cameras have been installed since 2002; the number of convictions that have been successful arising from this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that since 2002 Garda CCTV systems have been installed in Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Galway and Limerick. The installation of a CCTV system in Finglas has been delayed due to the lack of suitable accommodation to house the monitoring equipment. I am advised by the Office of Public Works that a suitable premises is currently being evaluated in consultation with officials of my Department and An Garda Síochána.

In late 2005, following recommendations from the Garda authorities I approved the implementation of 6 new Garda CCTV systems. These new locations are Drogheda, Dungarvan, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise and Tullamore. With the addition of these new locations a total of 17 Garda Town Centre CCTV Systems will be implemented in the following locations (listed in alphabetical order): Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford.

I am anxious to accelerate the implementation of Garda CCTV systems across the country 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. This process will now be undergoing peer review process. Following this process it is my objective to proceed as quickly as possible with the procurement process to contract the project managers and outsourced service providers for the development, installation and management of Garda CCTV systems.

I also launched the Community Based CCTV Scheme on 15 June 2005 in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems.

Over €1 million in grant aid has already been allocated to 37 communities under the Scheme and many of these could see their CCTV systems in operation before the end of 2006. Details of the successful applicants under this Scheme were published on my Department's website on 30 December, 2005. I plan to make a further call for proposals under this Scheme in the coming months.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of convictions arising from the use of closed circuit television cameras is not readily available and it would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to identify each case.