A Green Party TD has called for cameras produced by a company partially owned by the Chinese Government to be removed from Leinster House due to safety concerns.
Patrick Costello said Hikvision devices are being used in the Kildare Street building in Dublin.
His plea came just days after Australia announced it was removing security cameras made by firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party from its defence department buildings.
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Mr Costello wrote to Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail and the House of the Oireachtas Commission on Friday asking them to “review the use of Hikvision cameras”. In the letter, seen by the Irish Mirror, he attached a number of links to news articles about other Governments no longer using the cameras.
Mr Costello wrote: “Hikvision is part-owned by the Chinese State-owned company.
“There have been allegations of links to the Chinese military.
“Do bear in mind that mobile phones are now not allowed into Cabinet meetings due to concerns around security and electronic spying, showing these are realistic and meaningful threats.
“At the very least, I would ask the [Oireachtas] Commission to review the security risks of these cameras and seek further information from others who have removed them from Government buildings due to security concerns.”
Mr Costello said if other countries are expressing concern about the technology, the Irish Government should review their usage of the cameras. He added: “The Irish Council for Civil Liberties has also raised concerns about Hikvision cameras.
“At the very least we need to review the risks and talk to these other countries about what they know about this company.
“The letter I have sent to [the] Oireachtas Commission will be considered at their next meeting on February 27.
“I trust they will give this issue the serious consideration that other countries have and that this issue deserves.”
The Irish Mirror contacted the House of the Oireachtas to confirm that it used Hikvision cameras and to ask how many were in use on the Leinster House complex.
However, a spokeswoman said it “does not comment on security matters”.
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, a spokesperson for Hikvision said that it is "categorically false to represent Hikvision as a threat to national security".
"No respected technical institution or assessment has come to this conclusion," they said.
"As a manufacturer, Hikvision does not store end-users' video data, does not offer cloud storage in the Republic of Ireland and therefore cannot transmit data from end-users to third parties. Hikvision cameras are compliant with the applicable Irish laws and regulations and are subject to strict security requirements.
"Hikvision products are sold via distribution partners and the company does not have direct contact with the many public and private sector 'end-user' organisations that purchase our products."
"Further, Hikvision takes all reports regarding human rights very seriously and recognizes our responsibility for protecting people. The company has been engaging with governments globally to clarify misunderstandings about the company and our business and address their concerns. As a market leader, Hikvision is committed to upholding the highest standards and respect for human rights.”
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