Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
29. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if provision will be made for TDs to be part of the new community safety partnerships that are now replacing JPCs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54141/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced on Wednesday 2 April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area.
The regulations for these Safety Partnerships came into operation on Monday 30 June. 36 Partnerships are in the process of being established in local authority areas across the country.
I recognise the importance of participation by elected representatives and we must ensure they remain central to the new partnerships. Seven local authority members will be nominated to their Local Community Safety Partnerships from amongst, and by, their membership and will have a crucial role to play in ensuring the voice of their constituents is represented.
All elected representatives will also have further opportunities to engage with their safety partnership, including a closed meeting for members of the Oireachtas and local authority to meet with members of the Safety Partnership. My Department is exploring mechanisms to ensure that TDs and Senators have clear channels through which to contribute to local community safety priorities, thereby ensuring strong alignment between local and national objectives
Safety Partnerships replace and build upon the good work previously undertaken by Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will bring together a broader range of relevant stakeholders to address community safety issues in their area. Local Community Safety Partnerships will have a maximum of 30 members and membership will include local councillors; An Garda Síochána; HSE; Tusla; local authority executive; business; education; local residents and community representatives, including representatives of youth, new communities, and the voluntary sector. Each safety partnership will be led by a voluntary Chair and supported by a full-time coordinator and administrator.
Members have now been appointed to 8 Local Community Safety Partnerships. Further members will be appointed in October and November with a view to establishing all Safety Partnerships by the end of the year. The first meeting of a Local Community Safety Partnership took place in Wexford on 30 September when members elected their own chair and vice chair. It is anticipated that other partnerships will host their first meetings in the coming weeks.
