Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline some of the collaboration currently taking place in the midlands between the Gardaí and migrant communities through the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3751/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) actively engages and proffers support to Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers in the midlands regarding all matters in the area of policing multicultural society. Local Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELO) liaise with members of minority communities to reassure them of the Garda services available to them. Regular contact is maintained with personnel from GRIDO resulting in Divisional Gardaí being in a position to receive and communicate information on issues which may be raised by members of the migrant communities. Trained ELOs interact with members of ethnic minorities on issues affecting the Garda organisation. A successful multicultural open day was held at Mullingar Garda Station at the end of 2011. Contacts made from the open day have been maintained in order to ensure that An Garda Síochána continues to provide an excellent service to ethnic minority communities.

The Garda authorities also advise that a text alert system is in operation in the area, which includes members of migrant communities. Other relevant actions in this area include a crime prevention presentation, for the South Asian Community, which was held in July 2012. In addition, an intercultural coffee morning is due to be held in the Lios Na Greine Family Resource Centre in February 2013. This event has been organised by the local Garda ELO in conjunction with local migrant community members. Garda ELOs have visited primary and secondary schools and addressed pupils as part of the Garda Schools Programme. The Social Personal and Health Education Programme in schools specifically covers racism and ethnicity. I am advised that these and similar activities are used as a means to strengthen relationships and build confidence between local Gardaí and migrant communities.