The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, have published new guidelines for the joint policing committees, which are being established under the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.  The guidelines have been prepared by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in consultation with his colleagues the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.  The Garda Síochána Act represents the biggest change to our system of policing since the establishment of the Garda Síochána and is designed to enable the force to meet the challenges of our increasingly complex and diverse society now and in the future.  The joint policing committees form a significant part of the new arrangements being put in place arising from the Act. 

The Government believes that policing our society is best achieved through a partnership process involving the Garda Síochána and the democratically elected representatives of the communities, which the Garda Síochána serves, and with the participation of the community and voluntary sector.  Each of these partners has its own distinct perspective and inputs to offer, and each has its responsibilities in ensuring that our society's policing needs are effectively met - the local authorities as much as the Garda Síochána - so as to ensure safe and secure communities.

The guidelines are being issued for an initial brief pilot phase, during which committees are being established in a limited number of local authority areas.  Both Ministers and their Government colleagues are of the view that these new committees represent a radical new departure.  As such, it only through practical experience gained through their operation that we will discover how best they should be structured and should operate.  The pilots will be evaluated on an ongoing basis and in the light of the experience gained these guidelines will be amended as necessary.     

The guidelines expand on the provisions of the Garda Síochána Act and set out how the joint policing committees will be integrated into the existing local authority structures.  Great care has been taken in drawing up the guidelines to ensure that all those involved will have the opportunity to play a constructive role in making the committees a success.  All involved should make the most of the opportunities, which the committees will offer elected representatives, the Garda Síochána and communities.