Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Yesterday's debate revolved around whether paragraph (a) excluded town councils and, as Senator Cummins stated, it is certainly the intention to include them. The other main focus of discussion was whether a joint policing committee should have as its core base the town and area around it, including the area committee, or whether it should be done on a county-wide basis. That matter can be examined and worked out in conjunction with local authorities.

My interpretation of the amendment is that a great deal of the consultation and liaison activity that will take place at the level of the town or area committee will be done at sub-committee level rather than at joint policing committee level. In order to work effectively, committees will require resources in terms of staff. Perhaps the Minister will examine this matter. The joint policing committee may also develop initiatives such as a local advertising campaign, publication or otherwise. Good initiatives may evolve from these committees that would require financial resources and, given the limitations on town councils to provide either staffing or financial resources, it would be preferable for funding to come from a county council, some of which have budgets in excess of €100 million. From that point of view, I find the proposition that policing committees would be based on city or county councils an attractive one. However, I accept that much of the work and dialogue at local level would be done in sub-committees.

I gave an example yesterday of County Wexford which is divided into four local authority electoral areas with a significant town in each area. I would see these as the focal point for much of the dialogue between the Garda and the council which could be done at sub-committee level. This matter needs to be examined and discussion should take place with local authorities to see if there is an advantage in focusing on the larger unit which has more resources.