James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Ó Laoghaire for raising this very important matter. I will certainly convey his concerns to the Minister, Deputy Harris, on whose behalf I also thank the Deputy.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government is rolling out a number of policy and legislative initiatives, which will reduce the level of criminal behaviour in our communities. These include introducing legislation to provide body worn cameras for gardaí and community CCTV schemes; rolling out the community safety innovation fund to drive the development of community safety projects at local level; examining the use of antisocial behaviour orders to ensure they are as effective as possible; introducing legislation to criminalise the grooming of children; and providing An Garda Síochána with new powers to cease and stop illegal use of scrambler bikes.

As recognised by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, improving community safety requires a multi-sectoral approach, strong inter-agency collaboration and engagement from the community. The policy of establishing local community safety partnerships in communities, which is being rolled out by the Minister, will play a key role by creating tailor-made community safety plans with input from the local community and public services. An Garda Síochána will play a vital role in delivering this enhanced approach to community safety in local areas. I know the Minister trusts the Garda Commissioner and his team to continue making operational decisions on the best use of resources provided in the interests of all of our communities. This is more than simply a matter for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy rightly referred to youth diversion projects as well. We have seen a substantial increase in funding for youth diversion projects in the past two budgets - €6.7 million in the first budget and €2.9 million in the second. Coming from a base of about €15 million that is a huge increase, and we will continue with that roll-out.

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