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

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this matter for discussion. The Minister of State will agree that the most effective crime policies, that is, those with a capacity to deliver for communities and individuals, focus on prevention. Crime prevention strategies must take account of socio-economic circumstances. In these tough economic times, policies such as cutting back on Garda stations and personnel do not do anything to alleviate the levels of crime faced by some communities. The Irish Penal Reform Trust and Community Platform will hold a seminar on Thursday on the socio-economic causes of crime which I am sure will reinforce everything I have to say on the issue. Investment in communities through the provision of funding to programmes which promote equality, prevent isolation, encourage healthy living and improve the environment and housing standards contributes to reducing crime levels.

The Department is carrying out a review of the role of joint policing committees, which have an important part to play in reducing crime. Will the Minister of State indicate whether the review will investigate the viability of the committees or their operational side? Having spoken to the Minister on this issue on previous occasions, I am aware that he agrees the committees are working very well in some areas and having visible benefits on the ground. In areas where they work well a good membership balance has been struck between local politicians, gardaí, community groups and officials from local authorities. In other areas, however, joint policing committees are simply not working. I have spoken to colleagues around the State about the committees and while some have indicated their local committee is working well, taking a proactive approach and having a positive effect on the ground, others have indicated that their local committee is little more than a talking shop.

Will the Minister of State indicate whether the review of the joint policing committees will focus on their viability or aspects of their operations? Does she agree that they are a cost-effective means of addressing crime rates and provide a focused forum for local authorities and communities to have a very constructive input into how policing affects them?

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