Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
623. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has been presented with a copy of and briefed on the report on the pilot scheme of Garda body-worn cameras (details supplied); if he will publish the report to allow for an independent assessment of the pilot's findings and to examine how the code of practice was applied, in advance of any further roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33760/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible, under sections 33 and 34 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, 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 body worn cameras 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 (DEMS) 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.
An Garda Síochána have outlined in Transforming An Garda Siochana 2018 - 2024, (www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/transforming-an-garda-siochana-2018-2024.pdf), that, following a review of the proof of concept phase in 2025, it is anticipated that tendering processes for provision of a DEMS system and Body Worn Cameras will take place, ahead of national rollout to all Garda Members. The experiences of the Gardaí on the ground will be invaluable in informing how best this technology can be rolled out in the future.
Upon completion and review of the proof of concept phase, my priority will be to support An Garda Síochána to move towards the nationwide roll-out of body worn cameras, and the development of a new digital evidence management system.
