Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 211: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31689/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to answer Questions Nos. 211 and 212 together.

The Community Alert programme is a community based crime prevention initiative in rural communities which was set up by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda Síochána in 1985. It is a national movement with its network comprising of approximately 1,249 local Community Alert groups of which there are 37 schemes in Co. Monaghan and 37 schemes in Co. Cavan dedicated to improving the quality of life of people in rural communities who are vulnerable, in particular the elderly, by crime prevention, neighbourliness and self reliance, general community safety and well-being, accident prevention, promotion of personal safety and having an anti-poverty focus awareness of social inclusion.

I am strongly of the view that community organisations have, through their support and co-operation with the Garda Síochána, an important role to play in crime prevention and the promotion of community safety and I very much support the work in this area being carried out by Muintir na Tíre through Community Alert.