Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to have the Garda community text alert scheme in operation in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57444/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that text alert systems may be used by Gardaí, via Community Alert or other such groups, to alert the community in relation to suspicious activity or vehicles in their area, appeal for information, inform the community about road closures or to provide crime prevention advice. The content of the messages sent are vetted locally by An Garda Síochána.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are at present two local text alert systems operating in particular areas within the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

An Garda Síochána is currently examining text alert systems to determine whether it is feasible to roll out such systems nationally.