Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2011
61 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of joint policing committees that have been set up; the local authorities that have not set up the structure to date; the reason for same; the chairperson of each joint policing committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/11]
Amharc ar fhreagra63 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that joint policing committees become a greater facility for communities to interact with the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11876/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 63 together.
The functions and powers of Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) are set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005, which provides for a Committee in each local authority area. They provide the framework for a partnership process involving An Garda Síochána and elected members and officials of the local authority, which are the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing crime in an area, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and of the community and voluntary sector. The Act provides that JPCs operate under guidelines issued by the Minister for Justice and Equality after consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that JPCs have been established in all local authority areas with the exception of Fermoy, Midleton and Skibbereen, where the establishment process for the Committees is being finalised. The Garda Commissioner has appointed Garda representatives to each of the JPCs in accordance with the guidelines.
Section 35(2)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act provides that the chairperson of a JPC shall be drawn from the elected members nominated by the relevant local authority. Details of the chairperson of each Committee are held by the relevant local authority.
Members of the public and community representatives and groups can interact with their JPC by communicating with the Committee directly or by communicating with any member of the Committee, including the appointed Garda representatives. All JPC meetings are as a rule open to the public, and all documents are available. Any person may submit questions in writing in advance of each JPC meeting. Each Committee is also required to hold regular public meetings, at which those attending have the right to make their views known and ask questions in accordance with the guidelines.
The Programme for Government makes a commitment to build on existing community policing partnerships and forums to enhance trust between local communities and their Gardaí. Accordingly, I believe that it is appropriate to commence a review of the operation of the Committees, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the local authorities. The review will take place in the context of the commitments in the Programme for Government to reform local government. In that regard, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has said that he intends to publish at an early date a policy statement on local government, outlining government policy for an action programme to renew and develop the local government system.
