Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:
604. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if all Garda district neighbourhood watch meetings in the Dublin metropolitan region have resumed in person or virtually; if not, when the remaining neighbourhood watch meetings will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will ensure to write to the Deputy once that information is available to me.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 604 of 15 February 2021 where you asked:
‘ If all Garda district neighbourhood watch meetings in the Dublin Metropolitan Region have resumed in person or virtually; and if not, when the remaining neighbourhood watch meetings will resume’.
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities and undertook to contact you again once the report was to hand.
As you may be aware the Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day management of An Garda Síochána, which includes operational matters such as the carrying out of neighbourhood watch meetings, and I have no role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that in line with An Garda Síochána’s organisation plan to transition out of COVID-19 restrictions, members are instructed to continue to hold work meetings virtually, via phone or video conferencing systems.
I am further informed that face-to-face meetings are restricted to circumstances where there is a compelling operational need and where the meeting will be unable to proceed unless it is held face-to-face.
In such instances members of An Garda Síochána are advised to follow these steps:
- Conduct and document a risk assessment for the meeting, including the infection prevention control measures being applied for the meeting;
- Ensure the length of the meeting (max. 1.5 hours) and the numbers attending are kept to a minimum;
- The meeting room must be well ventilated (i.e open the windows and doors);
- Participants should maintain physical distancing in the room (at least 1 metre apart);
- All participants must continue to wear face coverings at all times, except when addressing the meeting.
I am informed that An Garda Síochána continue to keep such matters under review taking cognisance of the Public Health advice.
Question No. 605 answered with Question No. 602.
