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Community Policing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Questions (18, 35)

Dara Calleary

Question:

18. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps An Garda Síochána has taken to compensate for the loss of Garda stations across rural communities; the number of new community alert schemes in which the Gardaí are engaged in 2012 and 2013; the number of new Garda clinics opened in 2013 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39576/13]

View answer

Seamus Kirk

Question:

35. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána has developed a new strategy for community engagement in view of the recent station closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39580/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 35 together.

The 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.

In addition, a new Garda Text Alert Scheme was launched yesterday by the Garda Commissioner. This scheme, which has been piloted in a number of locations, was developed through close cooperation between the Garda Síochána, Muintir na Tíre, Neighbourhood Watch, the Irish Farmers Association and related stakeholders. It provides a further mechanism by which An Garda Síochána can provide crime prevention information to community groups, who in turn will forward this information and advice by text or email to all members of the group in the community. I understand that these arrangements were very well received during the pilot phase of the project. 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.

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