Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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572. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of CCTV cameras currently in operation throughout the State. [33236/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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CCTV systems installed for the purposes of crime prevention and as aids to policing in areas to which the general public routinely have access, such as town centres, fall into two distinct categories: Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.

Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of an Garda Síochána's identified operational needs and priorities. Accordingly, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such systems are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The number of Garda CCTV Schemes currently in operation is 32, comprising of 550 cameras.

The community-based CCTV Scheme was launched in 2005 to provide financial assistance towards the capital costs of establishing a community CCTV system. A total of 45 schemes were awarded substantive grants under the schemes. I am advised by Pobal, who administered the scheme on behalf of the Department, that there are approximately 344 cameras in operation.