Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 338: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community closed circuit television schemes which have been approved in the 2005 and 2006 call for applications; the success of the schemes in improving security in the areas affected; and if he plans to have a fresh call for applications in the near future. [42288/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Community-based CCTV Scheme offers pre-development (Stage 1) grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal, and development (Stage 2) grants of up to €100,000 from my Department for the establishment of a CCTV scheme. In addition, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides successful applicants from RAPID areas with matching funding to a maximum of €100,000.

As a result of the 2005 and 2006 call for applications, a total of 43 schemes were awarded capital grants under Stage 2 of the scheme. In addition, a total of 39 schemes received Stage 1 pre-development grants of which 15 were subsequently successful at stage 2 of the scheme. To date there are 14 Community CCTV Schemes up and running with a further 9 schemes at an advanced stage. The roll out of the remainder is progressing and in many cases is linked with the establishment of the Joint Policing Committees in the area which must approve the schemes in accordance with the provision of the Garda Síochána Act.

CCTV systems have become an important and effective tool to support policing and community safety in these areas and they also act as a useful deterrent to crime and public disorder. Before grants are awarded a comprehensive vetting of applications is carried out by Pobal on behalf of my Department. As part of the process, an assessment of needs, including an analysis of crime statistics and other background information, is carried out by the local Garda Divisional Officer. Calls for new applications are made from time to time and are dependent on a number of factors such as the availability of funding, the progression of schemes already grant aided and overall policy considerations.