Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 23: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason funds provided to an organisation (details supplied) to support the community alert scheme have been cut; and if he will review the decision in view of the impending closure of many rural Garda stations. [38042/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In the context of the fiscal difficulties being experienced in the economy and in keeping with the budgetary cutbacks which are consequently necessary, it is regrettably necessary to reduce the level of support which my Department is in a position to provide to Community Alert in 2011. Funding totalling €137,000 has been provided to Community Alert in 2011. I would like to emphasise that this reduction in funding is due to the current position in the public finances and that the work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued.

The position regarding my Department's funding of Community Alert will be kept under ongoing review.