Dáil Éireann - Volume 685 - 23 June, 2009

Written Answers. - Joint Policing Committees.

[654] Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a group (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24791/09]

  Deputy Dermot Ahern: Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) operate under guidelines which I issued in September 2008 following consultation with the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Membership of a JPC includes representatives from An Garda Síochána, elected members and officials of the local authority, Oireachtas members and community representatives. Following the local elections, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has issued a circular to local authorities regarding reconstitution of the JPCs, including the nomination of local authority elected members. In accordance with the guidelines, those elected members appoint the chairperson of the JPC.