Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Community Policing Scheme.

Michael Bell

Question:

151 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the opposition to the rural policing plan by the Garda representative bodies on the basis that they are not properly equipped to operate the scheme effectively; if his attention has further been drawn to the strong opposition from rural groups to the scheme on the basis that it will remove local contact with the gardaí and lead to a substantial increase in crime in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 56 on today's Order Paper in so far as the availability of resources to operate the new community policing scheme is concerned.

I am not aware of any strong opposition to the community policing scheme on the grounds referred to in the question. The scheme is in fact designed to promote increased Garda community contact and provide an effective response to crime in rural areas.