Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected that the evaluation review of the pilot joint policing committees will be undertaken and completed; and the form the review will take. [24206/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 29 committees established as part of a pilot project, including in the Dublin City Council area. 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.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I are examining what lessons can be learned from the operation of the pilot committees. As an initial step, we propose to hold a consultation seminar on the experiences gained in the operation of the pilot projects. The outcomes of the seminar will be an important input to the evaluation. We intend to have committees up and running in all local authority areas as early as possible in 2008.