Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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691. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of local authorities installing and operating CCTV systems in public parks and public spaces, following the issue that arose in Limerick which was widely reported, and given the clear benefits to the public good of expanding CCTV schemes; if the introduction of national guidelines or regulations for local authorities to facilitate this expansion will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Community safety is a top priority for my Department, and Community CCTV plays a vital role in this.

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.

Grants of over €950,000 for 36 Community CCTV schemes have been approved to date and a list of these CCTV projects is attached for the Deputy's information.

A further €1 million in funding has been made available towards the development of community-based CCTV schemes in 2024. Applications for funding are now open and can be made directly by the relevant Local Authorities.

This level of funding underlines my commitment to working with communities to ensure everyone feels safe.

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December 2023, provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. In order to introduce the new regime for CCTV, Part 5 of that Act must be commenced.

There is a new requirement under that Act for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures and standards to be followed, as well as the new rules around confidentiality, security, storage, access and retention of data and data subject rights. I am advised by Garda authorities that work is ongoing with respect to the development of this Code of Practice. This matter is entirely the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner who is statutorily independent.

I can advise the Deputy that in authorising a CCTV scheme, under the new provisions (once commenced), the Commissioner will ensure that a data protection impact assessment and a human rights impact assessment have been carried out prior to an authorisation being granted. Authorisations will have to be reviewed every five years and no new cameras or increased capability can be added to a CCTV scheme without a new authorisation being sought. It will also be an offence to operate CCTV in a public place for crime prevention or public safety purposes without an authorisation from the Garda Commissioner.

As well as those new standards, access to CCTV cameras and their servers will be limited to local authority staff and Garda staff. An Garda Síochána and the local authority will be required to enter into a joint-data control agreement which will set out their respective rights and responsibilities in relation to the data. Community groups will continue to have a say in keeping their community safe.

It is envisaged that the Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to replace Joint Policing Committees, will be the appropriate body to request community CCTV schemes in the future. Local residents, Local Authority staff, Councillors and members of An Garda Síochána will all be represented on the Partnerships, and will be best-placed to know how CCTV can be appropriately utilised in their area.