Written answers

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Operations

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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208. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to provide Garda surveillance cameras in the Connemara area of County Galway to increase security there, particularly in view of the small number of roads leading into the region and the need to ensure a high level of security for the population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7270/16]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the operation of CCTV schemes in public areas is governed by the provisions of section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Under those provisions, decisions in relation to the introduction or extension of such schemes are a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

Garda CCTV systems are planned and implemented on the basis of the identified operational needs and priorities of An Garda Síochána and are kept under review by the Garda authorities. In this context, the CCTV Advisory Committee was established to advise on all aspects of CCTV operated for the purpose of increasing public safety and reducing the risk of anti-social and criminal activity. The Committee also examines applications for CCTV schemes and makes appropriate recommendations having regard to the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act and the Garda Policy for the operation and use of CCTV schemes. I am informed that the Committee is not currently in receipt of any formal application to introduce a CCTV scheme in area referred to by the Deputy.

I am very conscious of the value that communities, especially rural communities, place on CCTV as a means of deterring crime and assisting in the detection of offenders. With this in mind, I have instigated a review of the effectiveness of the Community CCTV Scheme in conjunction with the Garda authorities and this will inform future decisions on the continuation of the Scheme. The Deputy may also be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, made an announcement in September 2015 in relation the provision of CCTV in rural areas which is to be funded from the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

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