Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
519. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the reason Government funding for the Garda community text alert system (details supplied) ceased in or around 2022; if he recognises the importance of this service in helping to protect vulnerable people and local communities; if there are plans to restore funding for the system nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the principle that everyone, wherever they live in Ireland, should feel safe and be safe. Building safe and secure communities across the country by investing in An Garda Síochána is a top priority for this Government. I want every part of the country to be a safe space for people to live and work in.
I have prioritised and secured a record investment in Budget 2026 of €2.74 billion for An Garda Síochána. The Garda Commissioner is responsible for how the organisation utilises this budget and how it is administered to deter and reduce crime.
The Community Text Alert Scheme enables communities to set up a group to receive alerts advising them of suspicious or criminal activity in their area. As well as ensuring awareness among users of the service, it can also lead to them reporting suspicious activity to Gardaí. Sending the information by text means that it can be disseminated rapidly to a large amount of people in a cost-effective way.
I am advised by the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau that the Garda Text Alert Scheme is established in many communities across the country.
My Department provides direct funding to Muintir na Tíre to cover the costs incurred by communities in administering the Text Alert Scheme. The Scheme is administered on a refund basis whereby communities submit their annual costs to Muintir na Tíre. In 2026, my Department secured €370,000 for Muintir na Tíre to cover the administration costs and rebates for the text alert scheme.
