Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
742. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of body-worn camera incidents reviewed by An Garda Síochána in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda Commissioner is responsible under Section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the operational use of body-worn cameras by members of An Garda Síochána.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that, up to the end of 2024, a total of 5,923 individual body-worn camera recordings were reviewed as part of the ongoing proof-of-concept phase.
|
Location |
Cameras Live from |
Number of Recordings |
|
Dublin |
31 May 2024 |
3,918 |
|
Limerick |
1 August 2024 |
1,083 |
|
Waterford |
5 September 2024 |
922 |
|
Total |
|
5,923 |
The body-worn camera proof-of-concept commenced in Dublin with 200 cameras on 31 May 2024 across Store Street, Kevin Street and Pearse Street Garda Stations. The proof-of-concept continued in Limerick going live on 1 August 2024 and subsequently in Waterford on 5 September 2024.
The purpose of the proof of concept 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 a national roll out.
A programme team has been established within An Garda Síochána to support the national rollout of body-worn cameras, and an updated draft Code of Practice is being developed to support their operational use in line with the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023.
In December 2025, An Garda Síochána launched a public consultation process on the use of body-worn cameras to inform the development of the Code of Practice and to ensure that their use reflects best practice in policing and respects the rights of members of the public.
The consultation process will support the future rollout of body-worn cameras to frontline Garda members as part of the modernisation of policing tools and technologies.
