Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cross-departmental work he has engaged in with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to addressing anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32809/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I attach a high priority to the combating of anti-social behaviour. One of the priorities set for An Garda Síochána for 2008 under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including underage drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the legal mechanisms being made available. My Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government consult at the highest level on an ongoing basis in relation to matters in which both Departments have responsibilities. These include anti-social behaviour and related provisions in housing legislation.

Joint Policing Committees provide a forum where An Garda Síochána and the local authority — the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing and tackling crime in a specific area — can get together in a regular and structured way, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, to consult with each other, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the area. On 24 September I launched, with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the roll out of the Committees from the current pilot phase in 29 local authority areas to all 114 local authority areas.

The Guidelines to enable the roll-out to take place were drawn up in close consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and other stakeholders, including in the local authority sector. The Guidelines for the initial pilot phase of the Committees were also drawn up in close consultation with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. An Garda Síochána and the relevant local authorities are now commencing establishing the Committees in accordance with new Guidelines. I strongly believe that the Committees meet an identified need and have great potential in strengthening partnerships.

CCTV schemes are a strong deterrent in fighting crime and anti-social behaviour. Community based CCTV assists local communities in contributing to fighting crime and anti-social behaviour. My Department is therefore operating the Community-based CCTV Scheme, which operates closely with local authorities. An Garda Síochána are also driving forward the establishment of interagency activities against anti-social behaviour, including the deployment of CCTV in urban areas.