Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The functions of the joint policing committees are kept under review on levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in their areas and the underlying contributing factors. New guidelines for the joint policing committees established in the Garda Síochána Act 2005 were launched in September 2008. They will enable the committees to establish in all the 114 local authority areas. They are there and have been updated this year. The consultation is with the HSE, local authority and any other voluntary bodies or persons they deem appropriate.