Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made, including investment of €342 million in Garda ICT infrastructure between 2016 and 2021. The Garda Commissioner is primarily responsible for the effective and efficient use of these resources and decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of equipment and resources, including ICT resources, are for the Commissioner in light of identified operational demands.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland included a recommendation that An Garda Síochána develop a plan to deploy body worn cameras. The Implementation Plan for that report - A Policing Service for the Future - includes a related action in relation to legislative preparation for deployment of body worn cameras. Government today approved the drafting of a general scheme of a Bill on this and related matters. It is intended that the general scheme will be developed in 2019 and the Bill will be published in 2020.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a business case is being prepared in An Garda Síochána in relation to the introduction of body worn cameras for operational members. Any such business case will be submitted to my Department after approval by the Commissioner.