Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Deputy. In replying to Deputy Rabbitte earlier about one of a number of cases he instanced of difficulties which vulnerable individuals in the Tallaght area have with anti-social behaviour targeted at them, I stated that the operation of these committees could be of great value in ensuring effective community policing on the ground to address such issues.

A meeting will take place in the near future between the two Departments, the County and City Managers Association and the office for local authority management to discuss a range of issues relating to the committees, including utilisation of the funding available. If necessary, consideration will be given to retrospective support. It is envisaged that the funding the two Departments is providing will be used to cover such areas as training and development, travel expenses for the representatives of the community and voluntary sector and a contribution towards the support of staffing of the committees in larger areas. The committees function as local authority committees and facilities such as location and secretarial facilities are provided by the relevant local authority, as are councillors' travel and subsistence expenses.

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