Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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2123. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when approval will issue in respect of applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43750/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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Community safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and to feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays an important role in achieving this goal.

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.

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, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have a say in keeping their community safe.

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.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána are currently working on a new CCTV Strategy which will outline how CCTV infrastructure utilised by AGS can be modernised and integrated with other CCTV infrastructure throughout the State. It is hoped that implementation of a modernised CCTV platform for An Garda Síochána can commence in 2026, subject to funding through the National Development Plan.

Funding was provided in 2020 for a CCTV scheme in Monaghan. With respect to further CCTV schemes and the progress of applications, community groups and local authorities should engage with An Garda Síochána.