Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 3

Written Answers - Community Policing.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

203 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether there can be any sense of community policing taking place, in view of the fact that there is often no garda residing in villages to be in a position to get to know the locals, both established and new and that gardaí are disappearing from rural stations all over Inishowen, while at the same time the population base particularly in all of the Border villages, be it Newtowncunningham, Carrigans, Killea, Bridgend, Burnfoot, Muff is increasing at a staggering rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6026/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

While it is the case that some gardaí do not live in the communities where they work, I am advised by the Garda authorities that the vast majority of gardaí stationed in Inishowen live in communities throughout the peninsula.

As part of their duties gardaí in Inishowen are involved with their communities through community alert, neighbourhood watch and the schools programme. Gardaí stationed in Inishowen are involved socially with their local communities through organising and coaching underage Gaelic football and soccer teams, assisting with boy scouts and participating in the work of the Inishowen Partnership.

It is also the case that district officers regard personnel in their respective districts as district resources available for deployment to deal with matters requiring Garda attention in all areas of their district, and in that connection the district force is available to augment local sub-district resources as required.