Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2026

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

The measure would make it easier for Gardaí to get CCTV footage from public bodies for criminal investigations, without having to secure a fresh approval every time, so evidence is less likely to be lost. It would also let the Garda Commissioner set up “Crime Prevention Zones” in areas with recurring crime, where Gardaí could install and run CCTV systems, with local authorities and other public bodies required to help. A code of practice would set rules for how footage is used, kept, shared and overseen, aiming to improve public safety while protecting privacy and data rights.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 to require that public bodies provide members of Garda personnel access to publicly operated CCTV systems, without a full new authorisation being required, for the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences; to allow members of Garda personnel to install and operate CCTV in designated high-crime areas; to provide for the preparation of draft codes of practice in relation to Garda access to publicly operated CCTV systems, and for the Minister to declare them by order to be codes of practice.

Last updated 4 June 2026