Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when local policing boards will be established as promised; and the membership of such boards. [32198/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 242 together.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of joint policing committees, the function of which is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of a local authority's administrative area. Section 36 of the Act provides that a local authority and the Garda Commissioner shall arrange for the establishment of a joint policing committee in accordance with guidelines issued under section 35 of the Act. Section 35 provides that guidelines concerning the establishment and maintenance of committees by local authorities and the Commissioner will be issued by me to local authorities and the Commissioner after consulting with my colleagues the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Work is under way involving my Department, the Garda Síochána, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on drafting guidelines, which will include provisions on membership of the committees. I expect to be in a position in the near future to announce the issuing of guidelines and the establishment of committees.