Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the community policing programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54789/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the Garda National Model of Community Policing operates in Garda Districts nationwide and the community policing team in each District is headed up by a Sergeant, with clear objectives such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies such as Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert and Business Watch. The National Model recognises the need for dedicated community police officers and, as at 31 October this year, there were 944 such Gardaí deployed around the country. It is also worth emphasising, as the National Model does, that all Gardaí contribute to community policing in the course of their day to day duties, and this has always been the case.

In relation to the resources provided for Community Policing and how these relate to crime trends, the Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution of personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts, the various Garda national units and of course Garda Headquarters. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources. I would also draw the Deputy's attention to the publication earlier this year of new Garda Community Crime Prevention Guidelines, which are designed to assist in the establishment of community based schemes, such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch, and which reaffirmed the Garda commitment to supporting communities and tackling crime in all areas of the country.

Insofar as Community Alert scheme is concerned, for many years my Department has provided funding for the Community Alert programme which is operated by Muintir na Tíre in partnership with the Garda authorities and which supports the operation of over 1,300 local groups. Funding totalling €152,000 was provided by my Department in 2013 which supports the employment and associated costs of a National Coordinator and Development Officers for the scheme. The work of Community Alert continues to be highly valued and decisions on the precise level of funding which may be provided by my Department in 2014 will be made as soon as possible in the context of the available resources.