Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional funding will be made available to the local authorities to resource the Joint Policing Committees; if so, when same will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19154/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the funding to local authorities for the resourcing of joint policing committees has been provided; the local authorities that have received their funding; if it has not been provided, the reasons for same; when it can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19263/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 169 together.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area including the levels and patterns of anti-social behaviour such as the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

There are currently 22 committees established as part of a pilot project, including in the Dublin City Council area, with a further seven in the process of being established. In addition, because of the extent of the Dublin City Council area, five subcommittees, corresponding to the five operational areas of the City Council, have been established.

Provision has been made in the Votes of the Garda Síochána and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for funding for the pilot joint policing committees. A sum of €500,000 has been made available in the Garda Vote to support their work. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has notified the local authorities that this funding is available and, in conjunction with my Department, is in contact with them regarding its disbursement.