Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to be able to talk about community policing given that the safety of my constituents depends on it. I will begin by thanking all members of the Garda, including our community gardaí across Tipperary, for the incredible work they have done to bring our communities together and to alleviate some of the loneliness many have experienced during this pandemic. They have made a massive difference, especially by taking so many drugs out of our communities in Tipperary. They have played a key role in maintaining our sense of community during these difficult times.

There are, however, still shortfalls in the provision of community gardaí. For example, I have been informed that five community gardaí were promised for Thurles and that their appointment has been approved but I have also been told that the community is still waiting to see them put in place. The number of community gardaí is very low. This is in spite of an unprecedented level of funding being allocated in the budget for 2021.

I recently asked the Minister for Justice whether it was her intention to take on more community gardaí given the increased budget. She told me that she has no role in such matters and that it is the job of the divisional chief superintendent to determine the distribution of duties. I understand that but the Minister went on to say that the official categorisation of a community garda has, in the past, simply referred to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society and that nowadays, all members of the Garda have a role to play in community policing when carrying out their duties. While I agree with everything she said, the Minister's reference to the past when speaking about the position of community gardaí concerned me, especially as she then spoke of the role to be played by members of the Garda in general when it comes to community policing. Will the Minister give her word that she will continue to support the appointment of specific community gardaí, rather than replacing their important role with a reference to community engagement, to which members of the force are committed anyway?

All gardaí play an exceptional role in our communities, but we still need members of the force whose primary role is that of a community garda and all that entails. Community gardaí play a role that prevents criminal activity before it begins. In my constituency, there was an incident in which the case of a public automated external defibrillator, AED, was vandalised. We are thankful that the unit itself was undamaged but if it had been damaged, it could have had serious consequences for anyone who may have needed it. The point I am making is that criminality can often begin with vandalism. In the case I have mentioned, vandalism could have had unintended consequences. Through focused engagement with the community, such as that undertaken by community gardaí, the gateway to criminality can be avoided.

During the pandemic, we have seen community policing units doing great work in our communities. I hope this will be retained as a permanent fixture. I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this important matter and I again acknowledge the fine work carried out by all members of the Garda.

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