Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 5

Written Answers. - Crime Prevention Officers' Restrictions.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

157 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by the Cork County Federation of Muintir na Tíre at the distance and time restrictions imposed on crime prevention officers in Cork County and the effect which this is having on community alert programmes throughout the country; if he agrees that in view of the importance of these programmes to rural communities the restrictions should be lifted, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Flynn)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are no restrictions on crime prevention officers which would adversely affect their service to community alert schemes. Such officers are employed full-time on crime prevention and community relations duties and each of them has a milage allowance of 300 miles per month, which can be increased by the local divisional officer where particular needs arise. In relation to the community alert schemes in Cork county, the local gardaí work with and assist these schemes on an ongoing basis and the services of crime prevention officers are made available as required to provide specific crime prevention advice.