Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to further resource and develop community policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7049/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Government's National Recovery Plan 2011-2014 calls for a higher priority to be attached to community policing. Such policing lies at the heart of policing in Ireland. This point has been emphasised by the Garda Commissioner and endorsed by the Garda Inspectorate. It has informed the development of the recent Garda national model of community policing. This model, which has now been rolled out to all Garda districts nationwide, aims at building upon and enhancing good community policing practice. There will be a community policing team in each district which will be headed up by a sergeant. Clear objectives will be set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies such as neighbourhood watch, community alert and business watch. The model recognises the need for dedicated community police officers and, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 1,145 such gardaí. It is also worth emphasising, as the model does, that all gardaí have a role to play in community policing.

This enhanced community policing service will be monitored closely by the Commissioner and his senior management team and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure the best possible service is provided to the public. The Commissioner will have my full support in this development of community policing and I will take a keen interest in its progression. I have long been a believer in the efficacy of community policing, both in providing protection to local communities and in facilitating such communities to develop relationships with the members of the force in their areas.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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One of the frustrations common among people in respect of community policing is that if a particular event is taking place - I refer to events such as those held at Marlay Park in the Minister's constituency - the first officers to be withdrawn are community gardaí. The position in this regard must be examined. If resources are scarce in a particular operation area, community gardaí are often deployed to guard former taoisigh, etc. I accept that this is a hot potato but when will the proposed changes in this regard be forthcoming? People want to see community gardaí being active in their areas. I accept that there is a need for policing when football matches are taking place at Tallaght Stadium in my constituency. However, there are also things happening in the community of which account must be taken. Local superintendents are obliged to take decisions on where to deploy officers.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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If I could be parochial and refer to Dublin South, which is the constituency I represent, I am aware that community gardaí have attended events in Marlay Park, at the Dundrum festival and elsewhere over the years. These officers find it particularly valuable to be in attendance at such events because it gives them an opportunity to talk to many members of local communities who also attend them. The events to which I refer are not all of the type which would give rise to major security concerns. Gardaí may simply be present to ensure people will rest safe in the knowledge that nothing untoward will occur. It is rare for something untoward to occur. Having a Garda presence at such events is extremely valuable. I am aware that a community day was held at Dún Laoghaire Garda station on a particular Sunday and local people were invited visit the station. Such events are extremely valuable.

On the issue of gardaí and former taoisigh, from the date when the announcement was made by the Government - approximately one week following its formation - a period of three months was to elapse before the latter's Garda drivers and State cars were to be withdrawn. Thereafter, former taoisigh will be obliged to make their own arrangements. If I am correct, we are nine weeks or so away from this being implemented. I hope the Deputy will forgive me if my calculations are out by one week.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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It will certainly be within the first 100 days in any event.