I want to see the partnership between local government representatives and the Garda authorities strengthened. I intend to bring forward legislation on Garda accountability and structures before the end of the year. As part of this legislation, I foresee the creation of a legislative foundation for a structured relationship between local authorities and the Garda. The effect of this will be that local representatives and the communities which they represent will have the legal capacity to work, in an appropriate forum, with the Garda on matters of local concern.