Joe Flaherty
Ceist:125. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Justice if she will report on the Local Community Safety Partnership pilot in Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36817/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 July 2021
Ceisteanna (125)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, my Department recently published the General Scheme of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which redefines policing to include prevention of harm to those who are vulnerable and supports the human rights of all people throughout Ireland to be and feel safe in their communities. It does this by making prevention of harm, protection of people who are vulnerable or at risk, and the safety of communities a whole of government responsibility.
In order to achieve this, innovative Local Community Safety Partnerships will be established which will replace and build upon the existing joint policing committees and provide a forum for State agencies and local communities to work together. The model is built on the principle that the community needs to be central in identifying what it needs and helping to shape solutions. To achieve this, each partnership will devise and oversee a Local Community Safety Plan, tailored to the priorities and needs identified by the communities themselves.
In November 2020, Minister McEntee announced the establishment of three Partnerships on a pilot basis, which will run for the next two years in Waterford, Longford and the north inner city of Dublin.
Independent chairpersons have now been appointed to each pilot Partnership, and I am very pleased that Martina Moloney, with her strong background in local government and governance, has agreed to chair the Longford pilot. Engagement with community groups has been taking place and further community engagement activities are planned. It is intended that the Longford Local Community Safety Pilot will be established in September.
As the pilots progress, they will be carefully evaluated and any necessary changes made to ensure the partnerships work as effectively as possible for the communities involved. The pilots will inform the further development of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, which will facilitate the national rollout of Local Community Safety Partnerships in every local authority area.
The Deputy may also be aware that Minister McEntee and Minister McGrath have agreed, in principle, to establish a new Community Safety Innovation Fund. The scheme, when established, will allocate funds to community safety projects and other policy initiatives in the area including the work of the Local Community Safety Partnerships.