Vol. 563 No. 2
234 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the work to date by the local community policing fora in the Dublin south-central area; if he will report on the outcome of the independent evaluations of these fora; and if and when the independent evaluation reports will be published. [7565/03]
A community policing forum project was initiated by the Garda Síochána in May 1999 on a pilot basis encompassing the Kevin Street-Kilmainham Garda districts. The purpose was to improve relations and communications between local communities and the Garda Síochána. The districts were sub-divided into three sections encompassing the following areas: Bluebell, Inchicore and Islandbridge; Dolphin's Barn, Rialto and Kilmainham; and Christchurch, The Coombe, Portobello (The South West Inner City Network).
Monthly meetings of the community policing forum are held in each area with a district forum meeting held quarterly.
The following are entitled to be represented at the forum: the Garda Siochána, the local community, public representatives and Dublin City Council, estate management.
The work of the fora in the DMR south-central division has concentrated on the following to date: dialogue between the Garda Síochána and local community representatives; seeking the views and opinions of the local community on matters of concern to them and addressing them within an agreed time frame; and keeping the local community informed on the action taken on issues of concern to them.
I will consider, in due course, any relevant issues arising out of the independent evaluation in consultation with the commissioner.
