Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 48:

In page 23, between lines 38 and 39, to insert the following new subsection:

"(3) A member of the Garda Síochána below the rank of Superintendent shall not be eligible to attend a joint policing committee meeting as the representative on behalf of the Garda Síochána.".

We feel there is no point in local gardaí or sergeants representing the Garda at these meetings. People want gardaí who can give a commitment on which they can deliver. The forum will become meaningless if the chief superintendent merely sends a sergeant to carry messages to and from the meeting about what is required in a community. We need a commitment from the highest levels of the Garda on these committees. By all means, the community garda can and should be present at these meetings with the chief superintendent but there is a need for a high-ranking garda to be present.

Amendment No. 49 seeks to ensure that the meetings of the joint policing committee are predominantly held in public. There will be occasions when a private meeting is required, a scenario which is also provided for by this amendment. However, by and large, the committee should meet in public, although we acknowledge that situations in communities and estates may require that they be held in private on some occasions. I hope the Minister accepts these amendments.