Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the possibility of introducing a Purple Flag Initiative, similar to those established in Britain and Northern Ireland, to recognise excellence in management of town and city centres at night; if such an initiative could contribute to crime reduction and community safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6729/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the initiative referred to by the Deputy and I understand that there are plans to introduce it in a number of local authority areas in this jurisdiction.

I do of course welcome any appropriate initiatives to help contribute to crime reduction, the management of the night time economy and community safety generally. The Gardaí already engage extensively with local authorities, Chambers of Commerce, business associations and various voluntary groups on these matters and are aware of the developments with respect to the Purple Flag initiative as well as other similar initiatives throughout the country.

I should also point out that a partnership approach to local policing issues is a key feature of the role of Joint Policing Committees, (JPCs) which are established in each local authority area. 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 published a discussion document in November 2012 to open the matter for wider consultation. I would expect that the JPCs should continue to provide a forum for the development of various types of local partnerships to enhance community safety and the quality of life generally.