I am informed by the Garda authorities that the divisional and district officers and representatives from South Dublin County Council launched the initiative in Tallaght between local gardaí and South Dublin County Council on 13 November 1998. At present weekly clinics of two hours duration are conducted at Fettercairn, Jobstown and Killinarden community centres. The service is designed to give the local community within these areas convenient access to the gardaí and the housing section of South Dublin County Council.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a comprehensive review of the initiative will be conducted after a period of six months in operation, at which stage the feasibility of extending the initiative will be considered. Pending the outcome of this review there are no plans to extend the initiative to the Clondalkin area.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that any decision made to extend the initiative to the Clondalkin area will take account of local demand for such a service, availability of suitable accommodation and any other initiatives operating in the relevant area. It should also be borne in mind that there is currently in place in the relevant area, a high level of consultation between An Garda Síochána and local authority officials, albeit in a less structured manner.