Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-11
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

Senator Tully is correct in identifying that when it comes to the roll-out of new technology, sometimes pilot programmes are used. For example, a pilot programme on the use of tasers is ongoing at present in certain sections of An Garda Síochána. Similarly, body cameras are being used on a pilot project basis in Waterford, Limerick and Dublin. The benefit of pilot projects is that they show the efficacy and usefulness of a new type of technology. I am pleased to say that in terms of the impact of the body cameras and indeed use of tasers, the pilot programme confirms the need for and the importance of having them.
I would be concerned, however, about including within legislation a specific statutory requirement that the pilot project take place. That did not happen in respect of body cameras or tasers. The reason it did not happen is because these are operational matters and it is really a matter for the Garda Commissioner to determine whether a pilot project is appropriate. In many instances, An Garda Síochána will look to its European counterparts during the procurement process as these types of tools are in use in other EU states. There is an awareness of this technology in terms of its use by other police forces, however, it is not being used directly in on-street policing of the public. As I spoke yesterday about biometric analysis, it is an investigative tool that can be used by An Garda Síochána. I cannot accept the amendment. I am not saying that there might not necessarily be a pilot programme but that is a matter for the Garda Commissioner as it is an operational matter and it would be inappropriate to have such a provision in statute.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-11/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:03+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-11