Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My final question relates to joint policing committees. I want to get a sense of the role played by community alerts and text alerts. A delegation from Muintir na Tíre, which is a fantastic and important initiative in rural areas, attended a recent meeting of the joint committee. With regard to joint policing committees, I have concerns about the ability of community organisations and public representatives to engage with senior members of An Garda Síochána on the concerns that exist in a given county. When the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 is passed, which should happen soon, the new policing authority will have an important role in policing the joint policing committees. I would like to get the thoughts of the witnesses on how we can improve those committees, particularly as they pertain to rural areas.