Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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My Department is responsible for a number of national policies aimed at improving the lives of people throughout the country, including Our Rural Future which places an emphasis on building resilience and enhancing participation and inclusion in rural communities.

Our Rural Future recognises that some rural populations have a heightened perception of the threat of crime in their areas. The Government is committed to supporting relevant initiatives, including through the delivery of strong, visible community policing, and community-based alert and property-marking schemes in partnership with rural stakeholders.

I understand that the Department of Justice provides support for local communities who wish to apply for a rebate towards the costs associated with running their local Text Alert Scheme, which is administered by Muintír na Tíre. That Department also provides funding for costs associated with the national Community Alert Programme.

The Rural Safety Forum, supported by the Department of Justice, is the result of strong collaboration between An Garda Síochána, Government Departments such as my own, and other relevant organisations. Last year, the Forum published the National Rural Safety Plan 2022-2024 which brings together the excellent work already underway in relation to rural safety.

My Department also has responsibility for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the Scheme towards the purchase, by a registered community-based organisation, of a personal alarm or pendant.

The issue of community security is one which concerns us all and I am committed to continuing to support the Government’s response to this issue through the delivery of relevant programmes and policies under the remit of my Department.