Brendan Ryan
Ceist:50. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of community policing forums in existence here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6480/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 9 February 2017
Ceisteanna (50, 51)
Brendan Ryan
Ceist:51. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which community policing forums here are funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6481/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
An Garda Síochána engages with many local structures including statutory fora such as Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and Local Policing Fora established by JPCs as well as more informal community based groups, including Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch groups throughout the country.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department does not provide funding for community policing forums, but it does provide significant financial support for the national and regional operation of the Community Alert programme. Indeed, the funding provided by my Department for Community Crime Prevention initiatives, including the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme, has more than doubled in recent years. To be of assistance to the Deputy, I have asked the Garda authorities for further information in relation to the matters which he has raised and I will contact him directly when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 50 and No. 51 for answer on 9 February, 2017 where you asked for information in relation to:
"....the way in which community policing forums here are funded..."
and
"....the number of community policing forums in existence here....."
As the Deputy will recall, I was unable to respond fully at the time pending a report from the Garda authorities. I am now advised by the Garda authorities that there are currently 1,949 Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and 1,409 Community Alert schemes in operation nationwide. I am further advised that while there is no formal funding for Neighbourhood Watch Schemes, these are supported by the deployment of local Garda resources. As outlined in my previous response, my Department does not provide funding for community policing forums but it does provide significant funding for Community Crime Prevention initiatives, including the highly successful Garda Text Alert Scheme.
It may, of course, be possible for community based forums or groups to seek funding from a range of sources including community sector funding overseen by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
I hope this information is of assistance and I apologise for the delay in responding.