Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I welcome amendment No. 37, which addresses the issue satisfactorily. When we spoke about the matter on Second Stage, everybody agreed that borough councils should be involved in joint policing committees. The point was made that if one were to carry out an analysis, it would become apparent that the incidence of crime is higher in urban areas due to the concentration of population.

Town councils can play an ideal role. They are an excellent local forum model and I wish we had them in my local authority area. While we have local area committees, they usually deal with two areas. In my part of south Dublin, the local area committee deals with Clondalkin and Lucan whereas a town council would focus on one of those urban areas. Members of town councils work at the coal face and are very much aware of local circumstances and the actions necessary to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Can the Minister of State explain in his reply what is the purpose of the use of the words in the proposed new section "unless the context otherwise requires"? When is it expected to have the guidelines ready? On Second Stage, I raised the question of whether it was a good idea to involve county development boards, which we might reconsider when the committees are established and operating. I am happy enough to accept for the time being the involvement of the boards. As the Labour Party was the first to propose a committee of the type provided for in the Bill, I am very glad the Minister has taken the idea on board.