Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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326. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the roll-out of community CCTV in a town (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43698/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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.

A grant-aid scheme was launched by my Department in 2017 to assist groups in the establishment of community-based CCTV systems in their local areas. The scheme is intended to run for 3 years with funding of €1 million 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 grant of €40,000.

I can inform the Deputy that my Department has not received an application for grant-aid from the area in question. I can however confirm that my officials are available to assist any interested groups in the area who wish to make an application. A dedicated email address is available to provide assistance to any groups interested in availing of the grant aid scheme - communitycctv@justice.ie.

There have to date been 27 applications to the scheme. 20 applications have been approved to date, involving approved funding of over €480,000. 4 applications are being considered. The remaining 3 applications have been returned to the applicants 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, the Office of the Attorney General and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). Nonetheless the Department is continuing to engage with all relevant parties to provide information on the scheme and clarify any queries arising. As I have said previously, 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. Full details of the grant aid package are available to download from my Department's website -