Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I second the motion. As Senator Conway has stated, a total of 31 joint policing committees will operate in the city and county council areas that remain after the recent change to local government structures. Joint policing committees should take a strategic and collaborative approach to policing issues. Committees are encouraged to hold meetings in different parts of each local authority. That is a good idea and takes place in my own county, Louth. The making of an annual report, which is the statutory duty of joint policing committees, JPCs, is emphasised. There are new requirements for JPCs to develop six-year and annual strategic plans and proper communication strategies to support interaction with local communities. I cannot overemphasise the importance of that.

In relation to community representatives, each JPC should decide the most appropriate community-based organisations or groups to be represented. In doing so, joint policing committees should have regard to relevant guidelines on community representation, which may be issued by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The guidelines also state that to the greatest extent possible the objectives of achieving a 40% gender balance in the making of appointments, as well as the need to foster social inclusiveness and equality when selecting membership, should be adhered to.