Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in how An Garda Síochána investigates any criminal activity or collects evidence.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the introduction of an online portal for uploading and reporting of digital evidence such as video of road traffic offences will be delivered as part of a planned Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).

I am advised that the mechanism for An Garda Síochána to accept video footage from the public will be via an online Portal. I am informed that once the footage is uploaded, a DEMS will be required to store, manage and process any footage received.

As the Deputy is aware the project to introduce body worn camera technology and a DEMS to An Garda Síochána is underway. A limited Proof of Concept deployment of body worn cameras in a small number of areas is planned for early 2024, following the enactment of the supporting legislation. This Proof of Concept will provide learnings for the next stage of the project, being the national procurement and rollout of body worn cameras including the introduction of a DEMS.

I am advised that given the lengthy process for the national procurement and rollout of body worn cameras and DEMS, as well as the follow-on implementation period, only costs and timelines can be confirmed at that stage of the project. I am further advised that it is envisaged that the introduction of an online Portal will be in 2025.