Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for the question. As he is aware, last week, I signed the regulations for the local community safety partnerships, which came into operation on Monday, 30 June. A total of 36 partnerships can now be established across the country, with partnerships in each local authority administrative area. That means there will be five in Dublin. Each LCSP will be led by a voluntary chair and supported by a full-time co-ordinator and administrator. The chair will be elected from among and by the membership of the safety partnership.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is my intention that the local community safety partnerships will now be established as soon as is practicable throughout the country. They will replace and build upon the excellent work that was done by the JPCs and will bring together a broader range of people. As I said previously to Deputy Currie, they will have a direct involvement in trying to address many of the issues faced by local communities. The legislation is entitled "Policing, Security and Community Safety". It is not all about policing; there has to be community safety as well. The Garda cannot always deliver it on its own. That is why I welcome that the partnerships will include local councillors and representatives from the HSE, Tusla, the local authority executive, business, education and many others, obviously including An Garda Síochána.

As outlined in the regulations, the safety partnership may hold as many meetings as required but must meet at least six times a year, including one public meeting and one meeting for local authority members and Oireachtas Members. There will be a facility for Members of the Oireachtas to attend at least one meeting.

Each newly established partnership is required to develop and implement its own tailored community safety plan. The partnerships will take a strategic approach to their work so that issues arising can be dealt with in a co-ordinated manner and addressed collectively. Each partnership will have the ability to consider the local landscape. As Minister for justice, I intend to keep a close eye on their being established and to ensure they succeed in their work.

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