28. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide an update on the forthcoming Code of Practice on Public CCTV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49375/26]

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. Part 5 of that Act, when commenced, will introduce these new arrangements. There is a requirement under that Act for the Garda Commissioner to develop a Code of Practice for CCTV which will set out the procedures to be followed.

As part of developing this new Code of Practice, An Garda Síochána consulted with the bodies listed in Part 8 of the Act and conducted a public consultation for any views or observations on the draft Code of Practice. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the Code of Practice is at an advanced stage, however matters related to policy and procedures also have to be progressed.

Prior to commencement, an amendment is required to the transitional arrangements in section 7 of the 2023 Act, for existing CCTV applications. That amendment has been included in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill and is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas. I expect that the new CCTV provisions set out in Part 5 will be commenced this year.