Catherine Murphy
Ceist:304. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases that the Kildare divisional protective services unit dealt with in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [28081/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (304, 308)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:308. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with by Wicklow divisional protective services unit in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [28085/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 308 together.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. Unfortunately the information has not been received on time. I will contact the Deputy directly once the information is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 304 and 308 of 02 July 2024 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice the number of cases that the Kildare divisional protective services unit dealt with in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form.”
And
“To ask the Minister for Justice the number of cases dealt with by Wicklow divisional protective services unit in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form.”
As you will recall, I sought the information from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that while supervision of Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) investigations is the responsibility of the local Division, there is no isolated central record on the PULSE System for the number of cased linked to each specific DPSU.
I am informed that while some Divisions, such as DMR North, keep a record of all cases locally, it is not a requirement of DPSUs to keep this record for statistical purposes and so this practice may not be replicated across all Divisions. As such, to collate the information specific to this request would require a disproportionate expenditure of Garda/Staff time and resources, and as a result the information is not available in the format you have requested.
I regret that I cannot be of further assistance.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (305)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:305. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 21 May 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this question answered. [28082/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Parliamentary Question No. 420 of 21 May 2024 refers to the current ages of each of the Garda Prisoner Transport Carriers in the Garda fleet.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
I am advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources. This is reviewed on a continual basis.
The table below, which was provided to me by the Garda authorities, sets out the number of Garda Prisoner Transport Vehicles by age on the 30 May 2024, the latest date for when figures are available. Please note that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
|
Age Profile |
Number of Vehicles |
|
4-6 years |
5 |
|
6+ years |
8 |
|
Total |
13 |
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (306)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:306. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of new unmarked Garda cars and vans that were allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau in 2023 and to-date in 2024; and the number of unmarked Garda cars and vans withdrawn from GNIB during same period, in tabular form. [28083/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
There are now 3,531 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever, and an increase of nearly 35% since 2015. The fleet includes 2,667 cars, 575 vans, 137 motorcycles, 100 4x4 and 52 others (refers to MPV, SUV, Minibus or Prisoner Conveyance Vehicles).
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all vehicles allocated to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) are unmarked. I am further informed that 3 vehicles were allocated to the GNIB in 2023 and none were removed. As of end of May 2024, no vehicles have been allocated or removed in this year.
I am further advised that the purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (307)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:307. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 462 on 21 May 2024, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities in order to have this question answered. [28084/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Parliamentary Question No. 462 of 21 May 2024 refers to the number of e-bikes seized by Gardaí within the Kildare division in 2023 and to date in 2024.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these matters, nor can I direct the Commissioner with regard to them.
I can, however, assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. This commitment is demonstrated by the unprecedented provision of over €2.35 billion to the Garda Vote this year, which is allowing for sustained and ongoing recruitment and investment in new equipment and new vehicles.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that no e-bikes were seized/detained in the Kildare Division in 2023 and in 2024, up to 20 May 2024.
I am further advised that, during the same period, there were 27 e-bike seizures nationally.
I am advised that the figures are based on incidents occurring from 1 January 2023 to 20 May 2024, inclusive. All information contained in this report is based upon operational data from the Pulse system as was available on 21 May 2024 and is liable to change.
Vehicles seized or detained include, but are not exclusively, those seized or detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act.
You may also wish to be aware that my colleagues at the Department of Transport, Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. and (then) Minister of State Jack Chambers T.D., recently welcomed the commencement of new regulations under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 for e-scooters and e-bikes/e-mopeds into Irish legislation.
From 20 May, regulations that set out new legal and safe technical parameters and usage of e-scooters and e-bikes came into effect. The regulations lay out the rules of the road for people choosing to use light electric vehicles, which will be enforceable under Irish law.
A public information campaign outlining how these vehicles can be enjoyed and used safely on our roads rolled out from commencement day. The Gardaí and Road Safety Authority have been involved in the development of these regulations from the start and An Garda Síochána will be responsible for their enforcement.
Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 304.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (309)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:309. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of data access requests that An Garda Síochána or the Criminal Asset Bureau have made to telecommunications and social media companies in the past three years to date in 2024 under the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2011; The number of requests that were approved by the companies that the data was requested from; and the reason the data was sought in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have sought the information requested from the Garda authorities, and will contact the Deputy again when this is available.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (310)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:310. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked Garda roads policing unit cars that came into the fleet in 2023 and to-date in 2024; the number of unmarked Garda RPU cars withdrawn from the fleet during same period in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28096/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
The unprecedented allocation of over €2.35 billion for 2024 to An Garda Síochána demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring An Garda Síochána has provision for the equipment, technology, facilities, fleet and personnel it needs to carry out vital policing work.
On 30 June 2024 there were 3,530 vehicles in the Garda fleet, the highest ever and a 35% increase since 2015.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below, sets out the number of unmarked cars allocated to and removed from the Roads Policing Unit in 2023 and in 2024, up to 31 May 2024, the latest date for when figures are available.
|
Roads Policing Unit |
Allocated |
Removed |
|
2023 |
12 |
4 |
|
2024 |
0 |
2 |
The purchase and allocation of vehicles by An Garda Síochána is made on the basis of identified operational demands, the availability of resources and is reviewed on a continual basis.
It is important to note that road traffic legislation is enforced as part of the day-to-day duties of members of An Garda Síochána, as well as through a programme of high-visibility road safety and enforcement operations carried out in partnership with other state agencies, in order to make our roads safer for all. All frontline Gardaí contribute to policing our roads and keeping them safe and, on average, 25% of roads policing enforcement is carried out by regular members, with the exception of drug/drink driving checks, 75% of which are carried out by regular members.
I am informed that the allocation of vehicles is made on the basis of identified operational demands and the availability of resources.
I am also informed that the purchase and allocation of vehicles is monitored and reviewed on a continual basis to ensure the best match with operational requirements.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (311)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:311. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Justice the number of WTE civilian forensic accountants grade 2 working in the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau as of 18 June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28097/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Garda business, including for the allocation of Garda members and staff to a given unit. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. The 2024 allocation provides a budget of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, representing a 25% increase since 2020. This unprecedented budget will strengthen the work of specialist units within An Garda Síochána such as the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB). Furthermore, as part of Budget 2024's unprecedented allocation, €155 million has been allocated for digital capital investment and IT.
I am assured that the Commissioner keeps the allocation of these resources under continued review, in line with crime and population trends, to ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently fewer than 10 WTE Civilian Forensic Accountants at Grade 2 working in the GNECB. I am advised that specific data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts of fewer than 10 for data protection reasons.
I am further informed that there are two approved backfill vacancies to be filled this year from an open competition which ran in 2023.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (312)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:312. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the number of serving members of An Garda Síochána who have received a criminal conviction for a violent crime and the number of An Garda Síochána who have been convicted of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, in tabular form. [28175/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
An Garda Síochána
Ceisteanna (313)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:313. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice to provide the number of serving members of An Garda Síochána who are currently undergoing criminal proceedings for a violent crime; the number of gardaí who are currently undergoing criminal proceedings for domestic, sexual or gender-based violence, in tabular form. [28176/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.
I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.
Domestic Violence
Ceisteanna (314)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:314. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Justice the status of a domestic violence refuge for County Roscommon; where it will be located; when it will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28180/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of the key actions of the Third National Strategy is doubling the number of refuge spaces over the lifetime of the Strategy to 280 refuge spaces.
As the Deputy is aware, prior to the establishment of Cuan on 1 January 2024, a Steering Committee for Inter-Departmental Group proposals was set up to manage and oversee progress on the delivery of additional refuge units.
This Committee was chaired by the Department of Justice, with representation from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Inclusion and Youth.
This Committee has worked with domestic violence support groups in the priority locations to support their advancement of new refuge developments, with funding support from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
This Committee is now chaired by Cuan.
Through this Committee, Cuan and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will continue to assist the development of local structures operating in the priority areas identified in the Third National Strategy and will support their advancement of the new refuges, with capital funding support continuing via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Cuan also has a dedicated team in place to support the development of domestic violence refuges. This team has been engaging with the local service provider in the areas mentioned and has supported the relevant organisations in terms of capacity and governance.
As accommodation for victims of DSGBV falls under the remit of Cuan, I am referring this question to them for direct answer.
Undefined
Ceisteanna (315)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if an extension of time can be provided to a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28223/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Citizenship Division of my Department have advised that a 28 day extension will be granted to the person referred to by the Deputy to produce the requested documents in support of their application for Naturalisation.
If the applicant requires additional time to obtain the requested documents, they can contact the Citizenship Division directly to request same at citizenshipinfo@justice.ie
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (316)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:316. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update in relation to the work of the Prison Overcrowding Response Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28241/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Irish Prison Service must accept into custody all people committed to prison by the Courts. As such, the Irish Prison Service has no control over the numbers committed to custody at any given time. For various reasons, including population growth, an increase in the numbers of judges and the increased size of the Garda workforce, numbers in custody have increased.
The Irish Prison Service is working closely with my officials in the Department of Justice to take steps to ensure a safe working environment for staff and the safety and security of all those in custody.
Where the number of people in custody exceeds the maximum capacity in any prison, the Irish Prison Service makes every effort to deal with this through a combination of inter-prison transfers and appropriate use of structured Temporary Release. In that regard, the criteria for participation in the Community Return and Community Support Schemes were updated last year.
The multi-agency Prison Overcrowding Response Group, which was formed in 2023, has considered a number of measures which are now being implemented by the Irish Prison Service.
Both as part of this work and to address capacity issues going forward, the Irish Prison Service continues to engage with my Department to progress plans to bring new spaces for over 1,100 people on stream between 2024 and 2030 with short term projects progressing, that are expected to deliver accommodation for over 170 people this year.
As part of these plans, I have secured capital funding of €159m for the years 2024 to 2026, including securing an increase of €49.5m through the most recent NDP allocations.
I have also established a new Working Group on future prison capacity, which will consider future capacity requirements, including quantities and types of accommodation. It will also make recommendations on the future use of the site at Thornton Hall and the role it can play in providing additional and modern prison accommodation.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (317)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:317. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the proposal to reopen the decommissioned prison on the Defence Forces barracks in the Curragh, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28242/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has held exploratory talks with the Department of Defence on the potential use of the Curragh Camp Military Prison. The Service has engaged technical consultants to undertake a conditional survey and examination of the fabric of the buildings to identify any essential works which would be required to allow the prison to be used as a civilian prison.
A Report by the consultants is expected for review by the end of July at which stage a decision will be made with regard to advancing the project to the next stage.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (318)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:318. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice what role she would have in the dismissal of a serving civil servant/prison officer from their post; what role the Chief Medical Officer would play in a dismissal; whether the dismissal would be by the Minister or by the Prison Service itself; if the criteria used would have changed over time; what system would have prevailed in the period 1986-1996, inclusive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28246/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials in the Irish Prison Service are civil servants and fall under the same regulations as general civil servants regarding dismissals.
The dismissal of an employee from the Irish Prison Service is decided by the Appropriate Authority as outlined in the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005; which amended the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956.
The identity of the Appropriate Authority is dependent on the grade of the employee at the time the dismissal is being considered. This is set out in Section 6 of the Civil Service Regulation (Amendment) Act 2005; which amended section 2 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956.
These acts are to be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation and circulars appropriate to each individual case, at the time of consideration.
There are a number of reasons the dismissal of an employee may be considered, including unsatisfactory attendance, a breach of discipline, medical and probation related. Each case is considered individually on its own facts/merits. Where appropriate, medical advices are sought from the Chief Medical Officer’s office and form part of the overall submission to the Appropriate Authority.
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (319)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:319. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the date on which two outstanding inspector of prisons' reports on the Dóchas Centre will be published (details supplied). [28277/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) was established under the Prisons Act 2007 and is independent in how it carries out its functions. The Inspector's role is to carry out regular inspections of prisons.
The Inspector's three day monitoring report of the Dóchas Centre, conducted in April and May 2020, was received in my office in August 2020, and it was deemed possible following legal advice to publish this report in January of this year.
I requested the Inspector to carry out an investigation into matters arising in the Dóchas Centre, under section 31(2) of the Prisons Act, and this investigation report was submitted in February 2022. In addition, a supplementary report which I requested in relation to matters arising from the section 31(2) investigation was received in July 2022. Having regard to ongoing legal consideration it is not possible to publish these reports at this time or comment further on their content.
Immigration Status
Ceisteanna (320)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in updating their stamps to Stamp 4 in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28290/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The persons referred to by the Deputy have no valid immigration permission to remain in the State.
Change of Status applications from the persons concerned were received by the Domestic Residence and Permissions Division of my Department on 28 February 2024 and continue to be processed by my Department.
To be fair to all applicants, applications are dealt with in chronological order by date received. My Department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible. However, processing times may vary due to a number of factors, such as the number of applications on hand, individual circumstances, the complexity of applications, whether further information is required, and the resources available.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by email using the Oireachtas Mail facility at IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the email service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Citizenship Applications
Ceisteanna (321)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if she will review a citizenship application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department.
The Citizenship Division have advised that they requested further documentation from the applicant on 24 June 2024. Once these documents are received, the application will progress to the eVetting stage of the Naturalisation process.
I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants. I want to assure anyone who has an application for naturalisation submitted that the Citizenship Division of my Department is doing everything possible to progress applications as quickly as possible.
It is important to note that no two applications are the same and some take longer than others to process. All applicants must undergo Garda vetting. Unfortunately, it is the case that some international checks can take a considerable amount of time and are largely out of the control of my Department.
The Citizenship Division have taken a significant number of steps to speed up the Naturalisation process for applicants. These included introducing an online digital application, online payments, and the introduction of eVetting.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of my Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023. Already this year over 16,000 decisions have been made.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these changes are reducing processing times.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: IMoireachtasmail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (322)
Pa Daly
Ceist:322. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice when she intends to bring forward the Family Courts Bill 2022. [28324/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is leading a programme of family justice reform set out in the first Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025. The Strategy outlines the steps needed to create a more efficient and user-friendly family court system that puts the family and children at the centre of its work.
A key component of the Strategy is the enactment of a Family Courts Bill which provides for the establishment of family court divisions within the existing court structures. This means there will be a Family High Court, a Family Circuit Court and a Family District Court, each dealing with family law matters as appropriate to its jurisdiction. Each of the Family Court divisions will have judges assigned to them on a full-time basis. The Bill includes guiding principles for the family court system that the Court, legal practitioners and the parties to the proceedings must have regard to.
A further aim of the Bill is to enable a greater proportion of non-contentious family law matters to be dealt with at Family District Court level, in order to provide local access to the court system and to enable family law issues to be dealt with in the simplest and most cost efficient way, reducing the stress faced by litigants in such cases.
Work is ongoing on the drafting of Committee Stage amendments to the Bill. My Department is continuing to engage with stakeholders on issues raised, and is working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to address them as the Family Courts Bill proceeds. There will be extensive preparatory work in advance of the legislation coming into force to make sure the new Family Courts will work effectively.
I am hopeful that Seanad Committee Stage will be scheduled prior to the summer recess. As the Deputy will appreciate, the scheduling of Oireachtas business is a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Ceisteanna (323)
David Stanton
Ceist:323. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 126 of 22 May 2024 and 518 of 11 June 2024, when she expects the operational code of practice for the installation and operation of community CCTV schemes to be agreed and published; the 36 community CCTV schemes that have been approved for grant funding by her Department to date, and the current status of each project, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28326/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Community safety is a top priority for my Department and everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe in their communities. Community CCTV plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
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.
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 current legal framework providing for community CCTV schemes, which has been in place since 2006, requires that any proposed 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.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, which was signed into law in December last year, will reform CCTV schemes. Under the Act, community groups will continue to have a say in keeping their community safe.
It is envisaged that the Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs), which will be 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.
As the Deputy is aware, there is a new requirement for the 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 cannot seek to direct him when it comes to the administration of Garda business.
I can advise the Deputy that, in authorising a CCTV scheme, 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 must 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, persons who can operate CCTV cameras and have access to 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.
All those parts of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act which have yet to be commenced, including Part 5 which deals with the authorisation and operation of CCTV, will be commenced later this year or early next year.
|
County |
Locality |
Year Funding Application Approved |
Funding Allocation |
Fully, Partly or Still have to request Funding Drawn Down |
|
Carlow |
St Mullins |
2019 |
€30,083.50 |
Fully |
|
Carlow |
Tullow |
2021 |
€5,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Kerry |
Ballyspillane |
2021 |
€24,300.00 |
Partly |
|
Kerry |
Killarney Outer |
2021 |
€31,254.00 |
Partly |
|
Kerry |
Killarney Town Centre |
2021 |
€40,200.00 |
Partly |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford |
2020 |
€26,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Borris in Ossory |
2020 |
€10,107.62 |
Fully |
|
Laois |
Donaghmore |
2019 |
€22,409.03 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Mountmellick |
2019 |
€40,938.77 |
Partly |
|
Laois |
Woodenbridge |
2020 |
€13,040.00 |
Partly |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick On Shannon |
2018 |
€40,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Limerick |
Foynes |
2019 |
€17,349.85 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Abbeyfeale |
2019 |
€22,800.94 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Adare |
2019 |
€22,406.01 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Askeaton |
2019 |
€28,115.54 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Caherconlish |
2019 |
€16,481.38 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Cappamore |
2019 |
€14,218.00 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Castleconnell |
2019 |
€27,310.22 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Croom |
2019 |
€19,277.12 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Kilmallock |
2019 |
€30,370.01 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Murroe |
2019 |
€21,945.33 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Newcastlewest |
2019 |
€31,071.33 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Pallasgreen |
2019 |
€18,691.09 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Patrickswell |
2019 |
€30,363.85 |
Partly |
|
Limerick |
Rathkeale |
2019 |
€34,172.66 |
Partly |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
2021 |
€40,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Louth |
Moneymore |
2020 |
€34,516.70 |
Partly |
|
Louth |
Rathmullen |
2020 |
€34,516.70 |
Partly |
|
Mayo |
Ballina |
2021 |
€5,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
2020 |
€45,000.00 |
Partly |
|
Sligo |
Cranmore |
2019 |
€13,835.00 |
Partly |
|
Wexford |
Courttown/Riverchapel |
2018 |
€28,636.05 |
Partly |
|
Wexford |
Gorey Town Park |
2018 |
€28,603.46 |
Fully |
|
Wexford |
Wexford |
2018 |
€25,675.00 |
Fully |
|
Wicklow |
Arklow Town |
2018 |
€45,000.00 |
Fully |
|
Wicklow |
Blessington Town Centre |
2021 |
€40,000.00 |
Partly |
|
€958,689.16 |