Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
953. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 to make provision to allow TDs to be part of the new community safety partnerships that are being established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12853/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra954. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration his plans to amend SI 279/2025, the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 (Section 114) (Safety Partnership) Regulations 2025 to allow TDs to be part of the new community safety partnerships that are being established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12854/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 954 together.
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which I commenced in April 2025, provides for the establishment of Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSP) within each local authority area.
I recognise the importance of participation by elected representatives and the need to ensure they remain central to the new partnerships. All elected representatives will have 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.
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. This ensures that local democratic input remains a core element of the new arrangements, while also allowing for wider community representation and expertise.
Appointments to Local Community Safety Partnerships are made with regard to the overall balance of representation and the need to ensure that the partnerships remain locally grounded, community-driven and supported by members with relevant expertise. The composition of each Safety Partnership aims to strike a fair balance between elected representatives, community voices, and key agencies whose cooperation is essential to improving safety outcomes.
The National Office for Community Safety, an office of my Department, is providing support to local authorities and in particular to Local Community Safety Partnership teams, in the process of establishing each Safety Partnership in their area.
The regulations for these Safety Partnerships came into operation in June 2025, and 36 Partnerships are in the process of being established in local authority areas across the country. I have appointed members to 34 Local Community Safety Partnerships and I expect to make the remaining appointments in the near future.
While all legislation is kept regularly under review, I have no plans to amend the legislation at this time.
