Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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227. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to the issues raised by a local authority (details supplied) in relation to CCTV schemes; the measures he plans to implement to improve the criteria pertaining to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38782/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that 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 but complementary categories, namely Garda CCTV systems and community-based CCTV systems.

Community CCTV is governed by section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner, and

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of whether or not grant funding is sought from my Department to assist in their establishment.

In accordance with this legal framework, I understand that the large majority of local authorities have previously undertaken to act as data controllers in the context of specific community CCTV schemes. Further, it is important to note that many community CCTV schemes are up and running successfully nationwide.

I am also pleased to see that the numbers of new applications to the grant aid scheme administered by my Department are increasing - there have to date been 27 applications to the scheme, including 13 applications received this month. 6 applications have been approved. 18 applications are currently being considered. The remaining 3 applications have been returned to the applicants concerned to enable them to supply the information necessary to qualify for grant aid.

In establishing the grant-aid scheme, the Department consulted broadly including with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, An Garda Síochána and the Office of the Attorney General. There was also consultation regarding the scheme with stakeholders including County and City Management Association (CCMA), Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), Irish Rural Link as well as interested community groups.

Nonetheless and in response to the queries or concerns expressed by some local authorities, my officials continue to engage on the matter in particular through the LGMA and the CCMA, to address any concerns and clarify any queries arising.

The Data Protection Commissioner’s Office has confirmed as recently as May of this year that it does not have any concerns on the legislative basis for CCTV. However it is currently conducting an audit of the practice, operation and governance of CCTV. We expect findings from this process to be of great assistance to local authorities as they carry out their function of Data Controller.

I am keen to ensure that all interested groups, in both rural and urban areas, have the opportunity to take advantage of the availability of this grant aid scheme administered by my Department. Under the scheme, which is intended to run for 3 years with funding of some €1 million being made available each year, eligible community groups can apply for grant-aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000.

Full details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website - and support and guidance is available to help interested groups to apply for this funding through a dedicated email address .