Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)

I would like to make the point to the Deputy that we are in the process of establishing local community safety partnerships throughout the country. That is a step up or ramping up of the former joint policing committees. I know the Deputy is aware that 36 community safety partnerships will be stood up. They are in the process. Some are up and running and some have had their first meeting. Many of the local authorities are in the process of finally pulling together and populating them. They will have broader stakeholder and community representation than the previous joint policing committees, so there will be opportunities for residents' associations, community groups, local authority members and members of An Garda Síochána to all play a meaningful role. They will be supported by full-time administrative staff, funded by the Department of justice and working with our local authorities. That will be another very important forum to deal with this issue.

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