Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are committed to prioritising community crime prevention schemes. Last week, at the National Ploughing Championships, I announced a double of funding for the community alert programme to €350,000. That funding will go directly to local groups. This is a tangible expression of our commitment to supporting the partnership approach. Communities have a big role to play, as does business. We have seen some terrific initiatives around the country. The Garda are working with local businesses and taxi firms to ensure there is a whole of community approach to reducing crime. Investment in An Garda Síochána is also being increased, including the provision this year of additional funding for the installation of more CCTV cameras around the country, which is also a good preventative tool.

In terms of community policing, as every Deputy here is aware, the Garda engage with a wide range of local groups, including informal community groups and the joint policing committees. There is in excess of 3,700 neighbourhood watch and community alert groups in place. There is good local involvement by our police in many areas. This will improve as Garda numbers increase and more civilians are recruited to deal with the issue of gardaí doing tasks inappropriate to them.

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