Dan Neville
Question:333 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the changes, if any, in operational procedures which are proposed for the Garda district of Newcastle West, County Limerick. [20094/97]
Written Answers. - Garda Operations.
It would appear that the Deputy is referring to the operation of the rural community policing scheme in Newcastle West, County Limerick.
I understand from the Garda Commissioner that, as part of the evaluation and review of the rural community policing scheme, he intends to introduce trial modifications to the scheme, under a pilot test arrangement, in two of the existing 14 Garda districts in which the scheme currently operates. The Garda districts selected by the Commissioner for this purpose are Nenagh and Newcastle West.
The trial changes proposed relate to the creation of community policing teams to provide for improvements in continuity of service to the community and more flexibility in relation to opening hours of stations involving an evaluation of local policing needs and consultation with local communities. The changes being introduced are to facilitate further study of the community policing initiative in the context of the general review of the entire scheme.