Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As echoed by Senator Fitzpatrick, however, you have that in every county. Those policing committees are currently made up of a range of local community representatives. Senator Ruane is right in respect of those leadership figures who are not just elected representatives. They are some of the best attendees and strongest voices at these meetings. I know from the policing committee meetings in my own county that local councillors are extremely diligent in their duties not just when it comes to these meeting but regarding the very important work of the various subcommittees, such as the drugs task force, the community policing elements and traffic safety subcommittees. Local councillors are leading change. In our instance, Chief Superintendent John Dollard brings his entire senior leadership team to these meetings. As a result of that kind of leadership, we have proper engagement with An Garda Síochána in the Meath division. That synergy between local representatives, An Garda Síochána, the executive of our councils and Oireachtas Members produces results and that comes down to individuals. No legislation can ensure that.

I am sure that there are other counties where they say things are not as effective because like anything, be it a Minister, a county manager or a chief superintendent, it comes down to the quality of the individual who leads the charge. I can only speak about our own representatives and we have a very good working one. Anything that we can do beyond that to enhance the process and Senator Ruane has suggested bringing in more figures who are required to make sure we are getting a proper representation from across society, which is welcome. Equally, it is only right and proper in respect of local representative, who are our councillors, that this point was pressed with the Minister. We advocated for that, the Minister has listened and is addressing this matter as part of the regulations on the community safety partnerships. I thank the AILG for its interaction with us, and with our Leader, Senator Chambers, and our group. We will ensure that the issues we have raised will be addressed and considered by the Minister as part of these regulations to ensure that we get the desired outcome, that we get the working policing bodies across this island. Perhaps those Oireachtas Members who come into this House or into the Lower House and guffaw ad nauseamabout policing might turn up and help them as well.