Michael Bell
Question:81 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the membership and terms of reference of the recently established National Crime Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15358/99]
Written Answers. - National Crime Council.
As the Deputy will be aware, I recently obtained Government approval to establish the National Crime Council. I regard this as an important step in providing a permanent forum for the development, expression and contribution of a wide range of views into the development of anti-crime strategies and policies. I believe that in this complex area, the public policy making process can only be enhanced by the establishment of the council.
The council will focus on crime prevention, with particular emphasis on the underlying causes of crime, and the development of partnerships and practical approaches which will be effective at community level. It will focus directly on raising public knowledge and awareness of crime. The council will, among other things, examine the issue of "fear of crime" generally and how this impacts on minorities. It will report and make recommendations to me as appropriate.
As I have said here previously, one of the obstacles to effective policy making in the areas of crime and crime prevention is the scarcity of research. A key function of the council will be to identify priorities for research projects which could be commissioned by my Department. The council will also provide an input to the development of a White Paper on crime in relation to the issues coming within the council's remit.
The Council will be free to consult as appropriate, and as part of a two-way process will link into key Government Departments and the existing wide range of committees and bodies, both statutory and non-statutory, which have an interest in crime policy. This will ensure that the council has available to it a wide repository of information and expertise on a range of matters.
I expect to be in a position to announce details of the membership of the council in the near future.