John Bruton
Ceist:931 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which organisations in County Meath may avail of the 100,000 provided in budget 2002, for support for neighbourhood watch programmes. [1387/02]
Written Answers. - Neighbourhood Watch.
As I announced at the time of the last budget, the Neighbourhood Watch organisation is set to receive 100,000 in 2002. This will allow for the appointment of a national co-ordinator and support staff for the organisation. This follows on the recommendations of an evaluation of the Neighbourhood Watch, NW, operation, commissioned by my Department. This evaluation proposed the restructuring and reorganisation of neighbourhood watch to redefine and hone its objectives so that it continues to be a key actor in the overall fight against crime. A key part of this proposal is that greater linkages should be built between individual neighbourhood watch schemes to facilitate their administration and operation. The structure envisaged will create a network where previously there was a loose collection of disconnected schemes. While I am confident that the new national structure for neighbourhood watch will be of benefit to the individual NW schemes in County Meath, the additional funding will not be disbursed at a local level.