Trevor Sargent
Question:12 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice the number of community gardaí and the responsibilities and difficulties they face in the constituency of Dublin north. [4816/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Dublin Community Policing.
The constituency of Dublin north is policed by gardaí from the DMA North Division and by the gardaí in the Balbriggan District which forms part of the Louth-Meath Division. Community policing was first introduced in 1987 and is now in operation throughout the country in densely populated urban areas. There are seven sergeants and 49 gardaí engaged on community policing duties in the DMA North Division.
Gardaí involved in community policing duties have as their primary responsibilities the development of closer links between the gardaí and the local communities in which they serve. They achieve this through constant and regular liaison with local community groups such as youth clubs and residents' associations. They are also responsible for the establishment of neighbourhood watch schemes and attending meetings with the area co-ordinators for these schemes to ensure they are working effectively. These gardaí are also currently involved in the establishment of business watch schemes in the Malahide, Swords and Portmarnock areas. Community gardaí perform foot patrols through the areas for which they have responsibility on a regular basis with a view to detecting and preventing crime.
Community gardaí play a vital role in the improvement and development of relations between gardaí and young people, and the operation of the schools programme is one important element of this work. This involves structured visits by the gardaí to local schools and discussions with the young people on various matters relating to safety awareness, etc.
The problems faced by the community gardaí in Dublin north are similar to those encountered by their counterparts in other densely populated urban areas. They include reducing the number of young people loitering in residential or shopping areas, reducing the level of intimidation and fear in the community by meeting regularly members of the community and helping to divert young people from crime by assisting with the organisation of sports and recreational events for young people.
The number of community gardaí and the work performed by them is kept under continuing review by the Garda authorities and any changes considered necessary will be made and supported by me.
I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. I am sure she will join me in commending the work of the community gardaí, not only in her constituency but throughout the country. One of the most frequent shortcomings in the community gardaí programme which has come to my attention in my constituency is that community gardaí are absent because of illness or other reasons and their work is not assigned to other gardaí as it is considered specialised. This leads to a breakdown in the ongoing work of community gardaí and frequently results in difficulties being experienced in the community, particularly by those to the fore, such as youth leaders and those dealing with the schools who depend on the community gardaí and — through no fault of the gardaí involved — must do without their service. Will the Minister address this matter so that the work of community gardaí when absent may be assigned to another garda, perhaps a sergeant to avoid a break in the community garda presence?
I agree it is important that the link between the community gardaí and the liaison and relationship they form with community groups is not broken, but from time to time gardaí, like everybody else, become ill and cannot be on duty. I will consider the Deputy's suggestion. I am aware that the work of community gardaí is specialised and requires special talents to sustain a relationship with members of a community and it may not always be possible to assign another garda who may be able to form a similar relationship. I will take the matter up with the Garda Commissioner to ensure there is not a break in continuity of that relationship.
I appreciate the Minister's willingness to address the matter. I understand it is not as simple as it may appear, but it is important that it is addressed. Will the Minister consider the difficulties being experienced by youth leaders in constituencies in respect of the community garda programme? Will she answer a question I was asked last night at a meeting in Corduff, Blanchardstown, concerning people involved in youth work in that area who bear the brunt of the difficulties resulting from a lack of a community garda presence — no matter how good it is it will never be adequate in some cases — and if she can recommend any resources or assistance to which they may tap into or seek in this regard? The work of those people help prevent problems arising if there is not a proper resourcing of youth work and a community garda presence.
I am aware of the problems raised by the Deputy because a meeting was held in that constituency to listen to the views of community leaders and identify problems. A proposal is being formulated to introduce a scheme in Corduff and other areas in the Blanchardstown policing area similar to a scheme which has worked extremely well in the Clondalkin area. I hope that proposal will be in place shortly and will provide a proper relationship between community leaders, youth leaders and the Garda.