Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Questions No. 520 of 14 February and 526 of 7 March 2023 seeking the estimated amount that An Garda Síochána has spent on sending out poor quality CCTV images to external companies in order to get the image quality improved in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 in tabular form; and if any of these companies are located outside of the State.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. As Minister for Justice, I have no role in these matters.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that where appropriate, An Garda Síochána can employ external third party companies to get the image quality improved on CCTV images. In the event that such third party companies are engaged, this would occur at investigation level through relevant divisions. I understand that due to the manner in which such costs are recorded, it is not possible to provide the figures as requested.

I am also advised that the Electronic Media Unit within ICT is focused on the delivery of support for applications in the forensic retrieval of mobile phones and CCTV data, supporting evidence gathering and compilation of evidence. The unit provides some limited capability to the organisation centrally and at divisional level for enhancement of CCTV footage in house.

I am informed there are companies where CCTV images are sent for enhancement located outside the State. However, it is not possible to provide the names of these companies as it is considered operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.