Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received reports from the Garda Commissioner regarding the level of active support for Neighbourhood Watch initiatives across the city; the number of active committees which are working currently with the Gardaí; the approximate proportion of the city covered by these; his views on whether there is potential to reinvigorate these committees particularly in view of the proposed Garda Reserve Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22093/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Neighbourhood Watch was established in 1985 as a crime prevention measure for urban areas and there are approximately 2,600 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in operation nation-wide. Since its establishment, the Garda authorities have sought to encourage the active participation of the public in Neighbourhood Watch by encouraging and supporting communities to establish and maintain such initiatives. The Garda Síochána has been a strategic partner in driving and supporting Neighbourhood Watch through its Community Relations Section and local Garda management, and has deployed Crime Prevention Officers and Liaison Gardaí to assist schemes. I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are currently 18 District Neighbourhood Watch Committees in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, 17 of which are active.

A review of Neighbourhood Watch is being conducted by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Dublin Neighbourhood Watch Representative Committee. A report including proposals for the re-invigoration of the initiative is being prepared and will be submitted to the Commissioner for his consideration in the near future. The Commissioner has proposed specific duties for Reserve members and these are being considered.