Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for his reply. He touched on one of the critical issues, that some of the joint policing committees are working better than others. I welcome the timeline outlined for the review process. I am aware from experience that it works very well in Cork. However, that is due not to the guidelines but to the individuals who sit on the committee, including members of the Garda who are open to the idea. In other areas where I have discussed the issue with councillors there is not the buy-in from some elements, not just the Garda. but the community and local authorities. That is one area on which we need to tighten up. In Cork, where the system works well and the Garda buy in to the process, it is having an effect on the ground and improves confidence in the Garda. If that could be replicated across the State we would be doing well. That is an area where we need to look at the guidelines.

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