Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013
142. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps the Garda Síochána has taken to compensate for the loss of Garda stations across rural communities; the number of new community alert schemes in which gardaí engage with in 2012 and 2013; the number of new Garda clinics opened in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39934/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, throughout the organisation and I have no direct function in the matter.
The Garda Síochána continue to work closely with local communities to enhance community safety through a wide range of measures, including the Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert Schemes, and the new Garda Text Alert Scheme.
There are over 1,400 local Community Alert groups around the country administered by Muintir na Tíre in close co-operation with the Garda Síochána. A new Garda Community Crime Prevention Programmes booklet has been published to support the establishment and operation of Community Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and similar local crime prevention initiatives.
The new Garda Text Alert Scheme, which has been piloted in a number of locations, including some locations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, was developed through close cooperation between the Garda Síochána, Muintir na Tíre, Neighbourhood Watch, the Irish Farmers Association and related stakeholders. The outcome of those pilots is informing the consideration of an overall text alert policy which is underway at present.
The Garda Síochána also run community clinics as local initiatives at District and Sub-District level to provide basic Garda services to meet local needs. They are usually operated by community Gardaí in community centres, local halls, schools or shopping centres. Clinics can operate to deliver a stand alone function, such as supporting a particular campaign, or as part of a wider theme, such as the Community Alert scheme.
I have asked the Commissioner for the latest information on the number of community schemes and clinics, and I will forward this information to the Deputy as soon as it is to hand.
