Vol. 486 No. 6
63 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the success of neighbourhood watch schemes; the benefit of Garda personnel allocated to work with these schemes and other community groups; the need to further improve and develop these schemes, in particular, the supply of mobile phones to approved groups; the other developments, if any, likely over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3078/98]
Neighbourhood watch has been in operation in Ireland since 1985. There are currently more than 2,300 schemes and they provide a sound basis for a partnership between the Garda and the community, the aim of which is to prevent crime. The Garda community relations section conduct training seminars for both gardaí and area co-ordinators as part of their input to neighbourhood watch.
Consultants have been employed to conduct research into the further development of neighbourhood watch and a report on the findings of their research will be available later this year. My Department has allocated £40,000 to fund this research. Decisions in regard to further development of neighbourhood watch will be taken, in the light of the consultants' report.
