Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 205: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is funding available through his Department for small grants for local neighbourhood watch groups; the way such funding may be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40379/06]

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. There are approximately 2,600 Neighbourhood Watch schemes in operation throughout the country. 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.

In relation to the provision of funding for Neighbourhood Watch organisations, I am strongly of the view that voluntary community organisations have, through their support for and work with the Garda Síochána, an important role to play in crime prevention and the promotion of community safety. I very much support the work being carried out by Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert schemes throughout the country.

The Garda authorities are finalising a high level review of Neighbourhood Watch which involved consultation with all the relevant stakeholders. Following completion of the review, a strategy for the future development of Neighbourhood Watch will provide a blueprint for its future development in the context of which the issue of funding for the groups will be addressed.