Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not set out what the group is going to do or tell it what it needs to do. However, I think the actions are very clear. The subgroups have been created on the basis of those actions, the needs and requirements. I must say, following the publication of the report, any engagement that my Department has had with the other Departments has been very positive and forthcoming. Indeed, the members of the localised implementation group, which includes members of the local council, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan, representatives of the education board, Tusla and other agencies, have been very forthcoming and willing and really want to ensure that this works. Obviously, as Minister, I want to ensure it works. We will support the group however we can to ensure that it can work on the issues it has identified.

In that regard, the creation of a new fund of €2 million, which is specifically going to support groups that identify ways in which they can make their communities safer, is an extra layer. If a group identifies something that does not exist but that it feels would work for the community, it can apply for that funding. There is a lot of work going on. I look forward to looking with the Deputy and other colleagues as that work continues.

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