Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on the ongoing review of joint policing committee guidelines. [40150/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The functions and powers of Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) are set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for a Committee in each local authority area. The Act provides that JPCs operate under guidelines issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality after consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The current guidelines were issued in September, 2008.

The Programme for Government makes a commitment to build on existing community policing partnerships and forums to enhance trust between local communities and their Gardaí. I am aware that some JPCs are working better than others, depending on the local authority. Work, involving my Department and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, is well advanced on preparations to contact all JPC members in the coming weeks seeking their views on how the JPCs are operating and the extent to which their activities are constructive and beneficial to the community and the Gardaí. It is intended that a document will then be prepared, taking into account the views expressed, on the basis of which consultations will take place with the local authorities and JPCs on how the operation of the Committees might be improved, with a view to updating the guidelines. It is envisaged that this process will be substantially complete in the early part of next year.

My Department has also been engaged in a major consultative exercise leading to the production of a White Paper on crime. One of the issues addressed in this exercise has been the role of the JPCs. The White Paper will set out a policy framework for future strategies to combat and prevent crime. The intention is that this process will lead ultimately to a national anti-crime strategy, in which the JPCs will have a role to play.