Vol. 558 No. 5
102 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) which found that many people on low incomes are living in fear in their own communities; if she is taking measures to prevent this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24707/02]
The report to which the Deputy refers was based on an investigation of 30 families, chosen to reflect the broad spectrum of circumstances facing families in poverty. It was intended to give expression to the voice and experience of families affected by poverty and to show the diverse experiences of individual family members. The views of 78 individuals – 50 adults and 28 children – were represented. Most of the respondents in the survey indicated that they felt secure in their own homes. However, feelings of insecurity were expressed by almost half of the Dublin-based households interviewed.
In this regard, the Garda Síochána are involved in a new partnership involving local communities known as the community policing forum which is being piloted in one area in Dublin. Among the objectives of the forum are to create dialogue between the gardaí and the local community, to seek the views and opinions of the local community with respect to their concerns on crime and policing and to provide solutions to concerns raised, within an agreed timeframe, through dialogue and action. An independent evaluation of the forum is being conducted and, following this, consideration will be given to replicating this model in other areas.
