Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1181. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide clarity around the installation process and approval of CCTV in the public realm the legality of it and the process for which local authorities can apply through An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38380/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, since 2017 my Department has administered a grant-aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.

The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

The Community-based CCTV scheme is currently governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006), GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

• be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,
• have a data protection impact assessment prepared,
• have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must act as a joint data controller with An Garda Síochána and a joint data controller agreement must be put in place, and
• have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

It is envisaged the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide, will be the appropriate body to make the request, given that local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the Partnerships.

The Local Authorities will take the lead and make the applications going forward and have full responsibility for the implementation of the scheme, and also managing the data protection aspects arising.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1182. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality as per section 38(11) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, if the guidelines for CCTV operations of An Garda Síochána can be revised and centralised in Kevin Street where it can be accessed by An Garda Síochána when needed, especially outside of office hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38381/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions in relation to the provision and allocation of Garda equipment and resources, including ICT, are a matter for the Garda Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources, which includes the provision and management of ICT equipment, under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a standalone computer is available for Garda members to view CCTV at Kevin Street Garda Station. I am further advised, if a member experiences difficulty with CCTV, members of the Divisional Technical Support Unit are available and can offer assistance and advice.