Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will give consideration to giving a consultative role to Joint Policing Committees in respect of the operation of local licensed premises in respect of compliance with the law in order that the local Gardaí can be well informed prior to the annual renewal of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4002/13]

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 essential role of JPCs is to provide appropriate advice to the Gardaí and local authorities and to support collaborative engagement among stakeholders in relation to local policing issues. 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. In the spirit of that commitment I initiated a review of the operation of JPCs and I have published a discussion document to open the matter for wider consultation. In the context of the present review I will be happy to consider all views on the functioning of JPCs and the Deputy is most welcome to contribute to the consultation process. It is important to bear in mind, however, in considering any changes to the remit of the JPCs, that they are intended as a forum for engagement to promote more effective action by the various stakeholders and not as an additional administrative structure. In this regard An Garda Síochána already has the power to object to the renewal of a licence under existing legislation, and as the Gardaí are essential participants in the work of JPCs, it would seem that relevant views can be aired in the context of the existing JPC structures.