Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

While we are on section 114, I received this correspondence:

[I am] aware that the Government Senators are under immense pressure today to finalise the remaining stages of the bill and may be under a government whip to do so. In this event, as part of your debate[...] could you suggest the following points to the Minister for her agreement.

I might not be fully in agreement but I gave a commitment I would convey this; therefore, I am doing it. The person will be listening in and will hear me and will be able to say that at least I did it. The suggestion is:

Section 114 of the bill provides that the Minister shall make regulations concerning the establishment and operation of local community safety partnerships. Prior to any regulations being made for the setting up and roll-out of the community safety partnerships across all local authorities, the evaluation of the current three pilot partnerships should be conducted and reviewed as to their operation over the last 24 months.

Then it says councillor representative bodies should be consulted. They are familiar words. The second part is:

That under section 114, a provision would also be made to consult with [the representative bodies of councillors, of which I am a member] prior to the preparation of these regulations concerning the establishment and operation of local community safety partnerships.

This seems to be the compromise or deal struck by a side of the Minister’s party, some of whom frustrated the Minister and us in our deliberations here in December. Suddenly they went away and tried to hatch out something and today is our earliest opportunity back here. The same people – most of them – blocked us having this in two Stages, having Committee Stage now and Final Stage next week.They tried to shut us down but we do not need to be shut down because we do not necessarily have to win votes here but we have to demonstrate to the people who elected us and people generally that, on community policing, we are advocates on their behalf. We can do no more than that. We might not succeed now but at least there will be a record of where people stood when we are back knocking on their doors and engaging with them.

I ask the Minister to consider favourably the amendments. Amendment No. 75 was a simple enough one concerning “city and county councillors, an equal number of whom shall be appointed to safety partnerships as were elected to the joint policing committee established by [...] Garda Síochána [...],”. I think it is reasonable. Would it not be great for the Minister to go out of here tonight and say she listened and took this on board, that it made sense and that she will do it? I know there is a process to follow. Accepting an amendment has a knock-on effect.

Amendment No. 82 hinges on what some Senators said earlier about assurances the Tánaiste gave. The Tánaiste is taking such interest. I have reason to believe he is taking more than a little interest in how this matter has been conducted, certainly in December. I cannot speak for now but can certainly say he was aware of what was going on in this House in December and the way proceedings were conducted. I am also aware he had conversations with people and has a keen interest in these matters. He can speak for himself. It is now being suggested the Tánaiste has had a hand, act or part in putting – I will not say pressure but influence - on making this commitment. Is there a commitment? Does the Minister believe there is an understanding from the Tánaiste that the chairs will be elected members? I would welcome that but would not welcome if it came about through undue pressure. The Minister has to do the job and stand over what she does but I ask her to clarify those points. I ask her to consider accepting the amendments. Would it not be great to leave here today saying “Well, look, I listened”? They are reasonable amendments and will not create havoc in the legislation. I know she believes in councillors. She has said it and I have always believed she does. She can show them by accepting some of these amendments that she stands in solidarity with them.