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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

CCTV and local policing

Summary

Deputies Moynihan and Buckley raised difficulties with CCTV schemes in Kanturk and Midleton, especially around GDPR, Garda responsibility and local authority participation. The Ceann Comhairle pressed them to keep to one matter, and Minister Flanagan said he would engage bilaterally, noting the scheme was ongoing but depended on local authority and Garda Commissioner consent.

I want to bring two issues to the attention of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan. There was an incident at O'Brien Street in Kanturk this week in which a car was set on fire and damage was caused to property. The closed-circuit television, CCTV, system installed by the community in 2012 or 2013-----

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The Deputy is stretching the idea of promised legislation if his question is in regard to burning cars.

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They all do.

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On legislation, there is a commitment to the roll-out of CCTV across the country but the process is tied up in GDPR in regard to the Department of Justice and Equality, An Garda Síochána and the local authorities. The local authorities are refusing to retain the information. I raised this issue in the Chamber with the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, during a previous Order of Business. There is a breakdown between the Garda Síochána and the local authorities in regard to this matter. There has been damage caused to the properties of many of the companies that contributed to the installation of the CCTV system in Kanturk.

Another incident in regard to crime-----

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The Deputy can only raise one matter. I call Deputy Pat Buckley on the same issue.

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Will I get a response?

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I cannot guarantee that.

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Charles Flanagan Minister for Justice and Equality Fine Gael

I guarantee it.

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The same issue arises in regard to the hard-fought for CCTV system in Midleton in east Cork, in that An Garda Síochána does not want to take on responsibility for its maintenance and the municipal district in east Cork, formerly Midleton Town Council, has a major issue with it as well. There is a new CCTV operational in the town, which took a lot of fundraising to get up and running, but nobody wants to take on responsibility for it. I seek clarification from the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, in that regard.

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Can the Minister cast some light on the matter?

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I do not have the details of the cases mentioned by Deputies Michael Moynihan and Buckley. I would, however, be happy to engage bilaterally with each of them. I am pleased to inform the House that the CCTV scheme is ongoing but there are a number of issues arising with particular reference to the participation of the local authorities and the consent of the Garda Commissioner and local justice and policing committee, JPC. I would be happy to take details from the Deputies over the course of the day and I can assure them of the assistance of my Department where possible.

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The six Deputies not reached today will be given priority tomorrow. I understand the Government Chief Whip wishes to put a business proposal to the House.

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