Vol. 465 No. 4
156 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Justice if she will make a statement on the operation of neighbourhood watch schemes; and whether these schemes make a worthwhile contribution towards limiting crime in our community. [9924/96]
Neighbourhood watch schemes provide an extremely effective and valuable vehicle for community involvement in crime prevention. While it is difficult to quantify, the Garda believe that such schemes play a vital part in preventing crime in those areas where schemes are in active operation. They also provide an essential mechanism for bringing gardaí and local communities closer together. For my part, I am committed to the development of the neighbourhood watch programme and, in this regard, I have directed officials in my Department to carry out an evaluation and assessment of all community based initiatives to ensure that all areas of the country are adequately covered.
