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

I thank the Deputy for her question. As colleagues are aware, the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau operates See Something, Say Something. It is an initiative that uses a text messaging system to allow members of the public to alert the Garda to any issue that might be of concern. It is a very positive development. Technology can be used very effectively for the purpose of keeping communities safe. We all see, maybe, WhatsApp groups in communities. That sharing of information is beneficial to ensure there is greater awareness of any safety issue in an area. Pursuant to this scheme, members of the public can use any mobile phone to immediately report a crime or any incident of anti-social behaviour by simply texting a brief account of the incident and the location to a short code number. This is a free text message which will be received by the sergeant on duty in the local station and the report acted upon. It also allows for the public to report incidents anonymously. It is a very positive measure because it enables gardaí to be provided with information spontaneously and on a very immediate basis. It is impossible for us to ensure we have a garda on every street corner or in every village, but using communication methods in this way is very helpful to ensuring gardaí are informed of threats in the area.

The Deputy may be aware a successful pilot scheme was operated in Kerry in 2019. An Garda Síochána purchased the rights to the system, as well as the short code that is the number used by the public. The initiative has since been replicated in Swords in 2020 and in Drogheda and Longford town since 2023.

Decisions related to the expansion of the initiative will be for the Garda Commissioner. I understand that the feasibility of scaling the initiative to other areas is being explored. This will be subject to an evaluation of the operation of the existing schemes.

See this speech in context