Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 355: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of community alert schemes in Kildare; if the number has increased over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35830/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that there are presently 49 Community Alert Schemes in operation in Kildare, which represents an increase of 10 Schemes in the past five years.

The Community Alert Programme is a community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. There are around 1,300 Community Alert groups nationwide dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by

crime prevention

neighbourliness and self-reliance

general community safety and well-being

accident prevention

promotion of personal safety, and

awareness of social inclusion.

The relationship between Muintir na Tíre and An Garda Síochána is formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations on the development and operation of the Programme. A review of the Programme resulted in the publication recently of a strategy which sets out the priorities for the organisation over the coming years. The success of the Programme is due primarily to the fact that it is community driven and serves the needs of the local community. Issues of local importance are identified by local volunteers and they are addressed collectively in partnership with the Garda Síochána.

My Department has provided funding of €150,000 in 2004, €120,000 in 2005, €175,000 in 2006 and €200,000 in 2007 to the Programme. The funding supports the coordinator and three of the five Development Officers employed by the Programme, while a further two development officers are supported by the Department of Health and Children through the HSE.