Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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61. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are proposals to set up a portal for video evidence of traffic violations that would be available to gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35154/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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This is an idea which I know has been raised by a number of people. There are no specific proposals at present.

We can all see that in theory it might be of assistance in addressing road traffic problems. However, there are serious issues to consider. The Road Traffic legislation which governs camera apparatus used by the Garda to provide evidence - speed cameras in particular - sets strict standards for the apparatus to be used in order to ensure that evidence is reliable. It would make a nonsense of having standards like this if we allowed anyone to upload footage taken on any apparatus. My colleague the Minister for Justice is currently proposing legislation relating to Garda use of camera evidence, and the Deputy may wish to raise this issue in that context.

I have recently asked officials in my Department to consider the issue of camera based enforcement of bus lanes and intend to bring forward proposals in that regard in future.