Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
547. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which body cameras are likely to be made available throughout An Garda Síochána; the circumstances under which this will happen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34355/23]
View answerI am committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources, the equipment and the technology necessary to do their jobs in protecting people from harm and saving lives.
As part of this commitment, I am working to ensure Gardaí have body worn cameras and to extend the powers governing Garda use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
Such technology will enhance frontline policing capability and help prevent crime and prosecute those involved in criminal activity.
Body worn cameras, in particular, will help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situational awareness, and protect police from harm.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the procurement and allocation of Garda equipment. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
Following Government approval, the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published in August 2022 and completed committee stage last week. The Government have now agreed to prioritise this legislation to enactment. Once enacted, the legislation will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Síochána.
The Bill will also extend extend An Garda Síochána’s use of CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to prevent crime and to aid with prosecution of those involved in criminal activity.
While procurement and deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I am supportive of them being brought into operation at the earliest opportunity.
