John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the directive he has issued with regard to Sligo being 17th on list for provision of closed circuit television as Sligo must have closed circuit television in order to curb the crime on its streets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24307/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It is not true to say that Sligo is 17th on list for provision of closed circuit television. As the Deputy is aware Sligo is one of the 17 remaining locations nationwide which form part of the Garda CCTV programme. As part of this programme 17 Garda Town Centre CCTV Systems, including Sligo, will be implemented in the following locations: Athlone, Ballyfermot, Carlow, Castlebar, Clondalkin, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dungarvan, Ennis, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Mullingar, Portlaoise, Sligo, Tallaght, Tullamore and Waterford. The locations are listed in alphabetical order.

As I 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.

I am informed that the Garda authorities are currently finalising a comprehensive and detailed Request for Tender (RFT) for the outsourced service provision of these 17 Garda CCTV systems, including Sligo. Once finalised, this RFT will be subject to a peer review process by the Department of Finance. My Department and the Garda authorities have consulted with the Department of Finance with a view to preparing for the required peer review process in respect of this procurement. Following the successful conclusion of this review it is intended to issue the Request for Tender.

My ambition is to have a Garda CCTV system operating in Sligo and in the other 16 locations at the earliest opportunity, subject to compliance with relevant procurement legislation and procedures.