Séamus McGrath
Ceist:174. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Justice to outline plans for the further rollout of body camera equipment for members of An Garda Síochána. [12525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 March 2025
Ceisteanna (174)
Freagraí scríofa
The Garda Commissioner is responsible, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), for the management and administration of Garda business. This includes all operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions.
An Garda Síochána needs modern tools and equipment to help our Gardaí do their jobs in protecting people from harm and saving lives. This includes equipping all frontline Gardaí with bodycams which is something I am committed to progressing, as outlined in the Programme for Government. Using technology to enhance policing services is part of the Garda Digital Strategy, and another step towards the overall goal of developing an information-led policing service. As part of Budget 2025, €100m of funding has been provided for ICT to equip Gardaí with the necessary tools to enhance crime prevention and detection.
Currently the 'proof of concept' phase for body-worn cameras is ongoing in selected stations in three locations: Dublin, Waterford and Limerick. The purpose of the trial is to assess how Body Worn Cameras and Digital Evidence Management Systems will be used operationally and to inform the technical design, required infrastructure and procurement process for the national solution for all of An Garda Síochána. There are 600 body-worn cameras in use across the five proof of concept stations including in three Dublin stations, namely Kevin Street, Pearse Street, and Store Street, and also in Limerick’s Henry Street Station and Waterford Garda Station.
The learnings from the proof of concept in Dublin, Limerick and Waterford will inform the national deployment of body-worn cameras and provide more of an insight into how they can impact interactions with Gardaí.
My priority now is to support An Garda Síochána to move towards a nationwide roll-out of body- worn cameras, and the development of a new digital evidence management system (DEMS). The experiences of the Gardaí on the ground will be invaluable in informing how best this technology can be rolled out in the future.