2026-05-06

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a 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. I welcome the opportunity to speak on our Fine Gael Private Members' Bill, which seeks to amend the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023. At its core, the Bill has two clear objectives: to reduce the administrative burden faced by gardaí, and to better deter criminal activity in areas experiencing persistent crime, antisocial behaviour and vandalism. There is no village, town or city in Ireland that is untouched by crime. Every community has a fundamental right not only to be safe but to feel safe. This Bill delivers on that in two important ways. First, it establishes a new, streamlined data-sharing framework between An Garda Síochána and public bodies in relation to CCTV footage. Under the current system, gardaí must seek authorisation on a case-by-case basis, often involving lengthy and cumbersome court processes. This Bill replaces that with approved data-sharing arrangements, allowing gardaí to access live or recorded footage for legitimate policing purposes in a far more efficient manner. Second, the Bill introduces the concept of crime prevention zones. These are targeted, time-limited areas designated where there is a clear and evidenced pattern of repeat criminal activity. Importantly, these zones are not open-ended. They will be subject to strict proportionality tests, public notification requirements and regular review. They will automatically lapse after a defined period unless there is clear justification for renewal. Crucially, this Bill also strengthens safeguards. It introduces a robust code of practice, including enhanced protections for areas primarily used by children. In such locations, there will be explicit obligations to minimise recording, limit operating hours and ensure that the privacy of young people is fully respected. This will have significant importance in areas near playground for example. Recently in Dublin there has been a spate of vandalism. Some playgrounds have been set on fire, including one in my constituency in Seán Moore Park, which has been set on fire six times in the past three years. It also explicitly prohibits the use of biometric analysis within crime prevention zones, a safeguard that is not currently provided for. This Bill builds on the existing legislative framework but also highlights an important gap. Key elements of the 2023 Act remain uncommenced, most notably the code of practice governing the use of CCTV by An Garda Síochána which has yet to be published by the Minister. I welcome confirmation by the Minister for justice that public consultation on this code by An Garda Síochána concluded in February of this year and that it is now finalising a draft code for approval by the Minister. I look forward to working constructively with the Minister to advance that code, the investment in CCTV and the additional measures proposed in this legislation. This legislation has been informed directly by engagement with gardaí on the ground as well as by examining best practice across other European jurisdictions. The message from An Garda Síochána is clear - it wants to be out policing communities and not tied up in unnecessary administrative processes. The message from the public is just as clear - they want Garda resources deployed effectively and stronger tools to tackle crime where it occurs most. A poll by opened by Journal.ie yesterday in respect of our legislation has seen almost 8,000 people respond so far demonstrating that approximately 80% of people who participated in the poll support this legislation and increased Garda-operated CCTV in areas where it is needed most. That reflects what all of us are hearing in our constituencies and communities. People want safer streets, visible policing and gardaí equipped to do their jobs. This Bill strikes a balance between reducing red tape, making communities safer and protecting people's privacy.

Is the Bill opposed?

No.

Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."