Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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141. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide an update on community alert schemes in Waterford, following his visit there (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice provides funding to Muintir na Tíre to cover the costs incurred by communities in administering the Text Alert Scheme. The Scheme is administered on a refund basis whereby communities submit their annual costs to Muintir na Tíre and a maximum refund of up to €450 is provided to the community. This funding is provided for in the Department of Justice’s Crime Prevention Budget.

In recent years, the Department of Justice has made the following payments to Muintir na Tíre for schemes in Waterford:

2021 - €2,480.65

2020 - €2,510.15

2019 - €2,749.80.

Muintir na Tíre are currently compiling the 2022 Text Alert Rebate and the Department will work with them on this.

There is continued engagement between officials in my Department and Muintir na Tíre on their review of the Text Alert Scheme with a view to delivering more cost effective options, such as the use of apps, for future versions of the Scheme.

As the Deputy may also be aware, the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) Safety Plan 2023 – 2028 contains an action to continue to engage with established Neighbourhood Watch/Community Alert schemes and strive to encourage the development of new schemes.

This action will be jointly led by the WLCSP, Waterford Age Friendly Alliance and An Garda Síochána.