Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley has raised the issue with community CCTV cameras in the Dáil with Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan.
Deputy Stanley said that the statement from the Dáil confirms the legal position as to who is responsible for controlling the data and that the local authorities are the designated bodies.
In a written statement, the Sinn Féin TD said: “I put the following question to the Justice Minister.
“If secondary legislation is necessary to resolve the difficulties regarding data control and storage for community CCTV schemes; and if the statutory instrument will be put in place, if needed.’’
In reply the Minister confirmed “Community CCTV is governed by section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI No 289 of 2006).
This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must – have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller’.
The total number of local authorities which have undertaken the roll of data controller for these purposes, amounts to 28 out of the 31 nationwide.
Minister Flanagan said “My department is also engaging on an ongoing basis with the Local Government Management Agency and the County and City Management Association, to clarify any queries arising and to assist in resolving any concerns.”
“I have conveyed this to the CEO of Laois County Council John Mulholland.
“There can be no further delay in having this matter resolved and it is intolerable that local community alert schemes that have raised money through their own voluntary efforts should be blocked from getting cameras in place,” concluded Deputy Stanley.
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