Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
919. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the locations within Dublin Metropolitan Region where Gardaí participate in the business watch scheme; the rank of Gardaí that participate in these meetings, by location; and the frequency of those meetings, by location, in tabular form. [46306/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, this includes all Garda HR matters and the distribution of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister I have no role in these matters
To be of assistance, I have sought an update on this matter from An Garda Síochána. I am informed that the Business Watch Scheme is a Crime Prevention Programme designed by An Garda Síochána. It is founded on the practice of both the Gardaí and local businesses coming together to prevent and reduce crime.
Business Watch provides a framework within which the business community can join together and be instrumental in preventing crime in their own community through awareness and observation.
While the key participants in Business Watch are the members themselves, An Garda Síochána play an important role in providing specialist Crime Prevention advice and through active liaison with the Business Watch Committee to address crime and related issues as they arise.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the attached spreadsheet sets out the details of the Business Watch Schemes across the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
