Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to amend the legislation establishing the joint policing committees; the areas in which joint policing committees are operating; if he is satisfied with the performance of these policing committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5601/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

During 2006 and 2007, Committees were established in 29 local authority areas in a pilot phase, prior to extending them to all 114 county, city and town council areas. The guidelines under which these operated were amended in the light of the experience gained in their operation. On 24 September, 2008 I launched, with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, amended guidelines, which took into account the experience gained during the pilot phase and provided for the establishment of Committees in all 114 local authority areas by the relevant local authorities and the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to last December Committees have been established in 98 local authority areas, representing 84% of the total.

The operation of the Committees is kept under ongoing review by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It should be noted that each Committee is required to submit an annual report of its activities, and these inform the ongoing consideration of the operation of the Committees.

I have no plans at this time to amend the legislation under which Committees operate.