Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 426: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the provision of closed circuit television cameras in an area and town (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29905/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware I 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. I am pleased to say that Athy Town Council, together with other bodies in Athy, made a successful application under Stage 2 of this Scheme which is being administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. I understand that the application received from Athy Town Council covers the installation of CCTV cameras in the areas referred to by the Deputy.

Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, provides a legislative basis for the operation of CCTV in public places. Following consultation with the Garda authorities, my Department has issued procedures that successful Stage 2 groups such as Athy are required to follow in order to obtain the necessary authorisation from the Garda Commissioner as required under Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 for the installation and operation of CCTV cameras in their area. The procedures describe the sequential steps which groups must take in relation to the local authority, local joint policing committee, local Garda Divisional Officer and finally the Garda Commissioner and have been circulated to the relevant groups. The payment of grant assistance to Athy Town Council will proceed shortly subject to the successful outcome of consultations involving the Athy Joint Policing Committee and receipt of authorisation from the Commissioner. I understand that the establishment of the Athy Joint Policing Committee is at an advanced stage and it is expected to meet in early October.