Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 September 2011
194 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether the community alert programme as operated by Muintir na Tíre should be reinvigorated and whether the national crime council should be re-established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25432/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Alert programme is a voluntary community-based initiative in rural communities, set up in 1985 by Muintir na Tíre in association with the Garda authorities. It is dedicated in particular to improving the quality of life of vulnerable people in rural communities, especially the elderly, by crime prevention, neighbourliness and self-reliance, general community safety and well-being, accident prevention, promotion of personal safety and awareness of social inclusion. My Department provides financial support for the programme and has done so for some time.
The relationship between An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre is formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations. The programme was given added impetus with the publication of a joint Muintir na Tíre/Garda strategy for the period 2007 to 2011, which was developed following a fundamental review of the programme by representatives of Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána and the Community Alert development officers, which took account of the social and demographic changes that had taken place since 1985. One of the actions included in the Garda Policing Plan for 2011 is an evaluation of the Community Alert strategy, in the context of ensuring the protection of vulnerable persons and groups and a partnership approach to solving community problems. I am confident that the co-operation between Community Alert and An Garda Síochána will continue to benefit communities.
In line with Government policy as set out in the Programme for Government and the need to rationalise the functioning of publicly funded bodies generally, I have no plans to re-establish the National Crime Council. Since 2009, my Department has been engaged in a major consultation exercise leading to the production of a White Paper on Crime. The objective of the White Paper process is to provide a comprehensive framework for future crime policy in the form of a National Anti-Crime Strategy.
