Written answers

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Joint Policing Committees

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if money is to be made available to local authorities to roll out joint policing committees and local policing fora. [5539/10]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Joint Policing Committees are provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Their purpose is to 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 come together, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, on matters affecting their area. The Committees are a partnership process which aims to improve the coordination between agencies and the quality of communications between all concerned.

Local Policing Fora are also established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. These are intended to operate in a more informal way than the Joint Policing Committees and are intended to deepen the engagement between Gardaí, the local authority and neighbourhood communities. I have issued guidelines on the operation of the Fora in those areas where Local Drug Task Forces operate.

The work of the Joint Policing Committees and the Local Policing Fora does not entail additional functions for the agencies involved. Each agency involved is generally expected to meet the expenses arising for itself in establishing and operating the Committees and Fora from within its own budget.

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