Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 50:

In page 24, subsection (2), between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following paragraph:

"(b) monitor the performance and effectiveness of the Garda Síochána in carrying out its functions in the administrative area,".

This amendment proposes to make clear that one of the functions of the policing committee should be to monitor the effectiveness of the Garda Síochána within a local area and to ensure that it is discharging its functions as best it can. This is fundamental to the effectiveness of any such committee.

Amendment No. 51 proposes that in addition to its own meetings the policing committee would organise public meetings in which issues of particular interest are discussed by everybody and where the public is not just an observer. Such meetings are very beneficial even with gardaí going out into the communities as currently happens. It is very effective in that the public see a Garda presence and see gardaí are taking an interest in their communities. This amendment is to ensure that the Garda would be empowered to organise meetings with the community on issues of particular interest.