Neale Richmond
Dublin Rathdown · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I am grateful to Deputy Ó Murchú for raising this once again. I welcome the comments by his party leader this week when she declared that this is a great State and a great place to live in. It makes a welcome change from most other days of the week.”
“Another thing that must be looked at when discussing a united Ireland is that a lot of work has to be done to show example from political representatives on the base level of sectarianism that at least two other colleagues on these benches and I put up with every day.”
“They could not decide among themselves in the "Yes" campaign whether they would have a new form of sterling or a currency pegged to sterling or adopt the euro. That is not an issue for us. We join the European Union and we join the euro. It is simple as.”
“I will make a few concluding remarks to follow on from some of the points made by the Taoiseach in his opening iteration because in his 20 minutes he did not cover them all.”
“Over the coming months, we will act impartially serving as an honest broker among our fellow member states to progress many files in areas that were raised here today. Our work will respond to the overall interests and needs of the union, its member states and citizens across Europe.”
“More pertinently to the Deputy's questions, very real charges have been placed in The Irish Times and by other investigative journalists stating that the amounts of alumina being produced from Aughinish are going indirectly to the Russian war machine. If that is the case, it is completely unacceptable.”
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“There was a mention from one Deputy - I think it was Deputy Crowe - of the notion in 2011 of reserving Seanad seats for the diaspora. That was followed up by the appointment to the Seanad of the late, great Billy Lawless, whom I had the distinct honour to serve with along with then Senator Mac Lochlainn. He was a great voice for the Irish in America. Deputy Kenny spoke about international comparisons, and I will go into that because it is really important. We are talking today about votes for President. Votes for President is a straightforward proposal, for the Irish in this jurisdiction and across the island and for Irish citizens living abroad.”
“I will work with every Deputy, but especially the Minister for Transport, as well as the Road Safety Authority, to ensure we secure that, much like when I was in a previous brief and we were able to launch a new company specifically offering motor insurance to those who have returned from abroad. The new programme for Government also commits to delivering a new diaspora strategy. I am in the middle of doing the consultations for this. I have had seven in-person strategy meetings so far and there will be a meeting for Oireachtas Members tomorrow morning in Iveagh House. I look forward to seeing real, fruitful engagement. I will respond to some of the specific points. I will not get to all of them but I will try my best.”
“In the past few months, I have had the opportunity to see the community care pillar of the programme in action in Coventry, Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. I am sure many of the Deputies opposite will join me in paying tribute to our diplomats and colleagues who implement so many services in those sectors, which are so important to our Irish abroad. The programme for Government makes a specific commitment to facilitate emigrants looking to return home. An area I am focused on is making it easier to exchange driving licences, which Deputy Guirke has been very outspoken on. I really welcome his contributions and hope we can continue to work together on this. Already the Government has been able to secure agreements with all the Australian states and seven Canadian provinces.”
“As the Minister of State responsible, I want to ensure the Government has supports in place to assist our diaspora no matter what stage someone is at on their journey. Essential to this work is the emigrant support programme. Since it began in 2004, the programme has granted over €250 million to over 900 organisations in 51 countries and the budget for this year will again be almost €16.5 million. It is also important for me to make a brief reference to the changes in US immigration policy and the impact those are having on Irish communities there. Through the emigrant support programme and our missions in the US, we work with communities and the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers to provide advice and assistance to those affected.”
“It is important to provide actualities beyond rhetoric. Moreover, many of those who have moved abroad have had an extremely positive experience. I am always delighted to see the positive contributions our diaspora have made to their new communities, but there are also those who have not been so fortunate and we owe a real duty of care to those who are among the most marginalised and vulnerable. Our diaspora are not an homogenous group, nor is the experience of living abroad a linear one. There are many decisions involved in deciding to live abroad, whether you are getting ready to leave or just arriving in your new home, have settled for the long term or are thinking about returning home.”
“Third, I will reply to a few of the points or questions, should the time allow for it. One of the great privileges I have in my role as Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora is the ability to travel and meet quite a number of our Irish abroad, as Deputy O’Reilly alluded to. It must be said Irish people emigrate for many reasons. Some indeed do so out of economic and housing necessity and the prospect of a better life, but many also wish to work or study abroad and experience life in another culture, which is what our friends in New Zealand call the overseas experience. We regularly hear the trope that everyone is leaving to go to Australia because of housing, but then you realise that rents and house prices are higher there, the waiting times greater and the cost much greater.”
“I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I can confirm the Government is of course not opposing this motion. From my time in this Chamber and before that in the Upper Chamber, I know we all share a long-standing desire to deepen the connections between Ireland and the global Irish, but especially on this island. I know there are very few of us in the Chamber who have not been touched by emigration. I am going to use the ten minutes available to me to do three things, if that is okay with the Opposition. There will then be other speakers and my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, will conclude the debate. First, I will lay out a little of the work we are doing for the Irish abroad, because that is important to the House. Second, I would like to address the specific proposal here.”
“As a Minister of State, I am more than happy to engage with my colleagues in the Department of education to make sure that these views are incorporated into the review, and that the review is ultimately one which meets the needs of the students as well as possible.”
“The key point is that this will be concluded and communicated in order that it will be in place for the examinations in 2026. We are at an advanced stage. The work is largely done. Let us finish it off. Changing this in order that we implement this in September rather than December will not make a difference for those sitting the State examinations in 2026. Let us make sure that due process is followed. I completely take on the insights of both Senators, particularly Senator Curley's real-world experiences in reading settings and all that. There are some obvious changes here that have been done for people with other additional needs. To spread it to dyslexia makes sense to me as a layperson.”
“The SEC acknowledges that there is increasing complexity in the special educational landscape, and, by extension, on the impact on candidates with special educational needs taking certificate examinations. Extensive consultation and engagement to be undertaken as part of this comprehensive review will provide an opportunity for the views of those affected to be incorporated into the considerations.”
“The consultation that will take place over the coming months will inform any appropriate changes to the shape of the scheme for the 2026 State examinations and those thereafter, with the details of the scheme for 2026 to be communicated to schools before the end of 2025 in line with normal timelines. Given the wide range of difficulties for which accommodations are sought, it is intended to seek the views of users through extensive consultation and engagement in order to capture all perspectives and to ensure all voices are heard equally. This will include young people with special educational needs, their families and representative organisations, including Dyslexia Ireland. It will take place over the coming months. I will make sure that the content of this debate is also included in that consultation.”
“Already, and on a pilot basis for the 2025 examinations, additional time for vision-impaired candidates who are under the care of the visiting teacher service is being increased from ten minutes per hour or part of an hour to 15 minutes for junior cycle, leaving certificate applied and leaving certificate. This increases the additional time for these candidates to between 25% and 38% of total examination duration. For example, for an examination of two hours and 30 minutes, additional time of 15 minutes per hour increases the total examination time provided by 30%. This goes to Senator Curley's point that this is the opportunity. There is no sacred cow in terms of time limits. We can adjust it and be more reflective of the needs of the individual student. We are already doing it on a trial basis. Let us not dismiss this.”
“The review is being directed by the board of commissioners of the SEC and overseen by a steering group, with the terms of reference published on the SEC website. The steering group is chaired by the CEO of the SEC and is composed of external members drawn from Government, academic and international organisations and internal SEC members of staff. The inclusion of internal SEC members of staff as well as external members is designed to ensure that rolling changes can be implemented as the review progresses rather than awaiting a big-bang approach at the end of the full review period.”
“It is important to note that access to the scheme is needs-based rather than based on a specific diagnosis. The review the Senators have both raised is being undertaken by the SEC during a time of senior cycle redevelopment and in the context of the wider special educational needs policy landscape. It is a comprehensive and system-wide review of the scheme. The programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and to ensure those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations. The review by the SEC, which is under way now, will seek to take account of these, all relevant issues and best practice internationally, including the examples cited by Senator Crowe.”
“I thank both Senators for their contributions this morning, particularly Senator Crowe for placing this. I will be quite frank; this is the second time I have taken a Commencement matter of this nature. Admittedly, the first time was not in this iteration of the Seanad but it is remarkable that, two years on, we are dealing with the same question. I hope we will be able to give more of a positive update than the last time. The State Examinations Commission, as the Senators are aware, has responsibility for the reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations, RACE, scheme. A central tenet of the RACE scheme is to ensure equitable treatment for all candidates. The range of accommodations provided within the scheme has been designed to ensure fairness for all when facilitating candidates in demonstrating their level of achievement.”
“I am more than happy to take that up with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and would suggest that the Senator puts those concerns in writing to TII, as I think he already has. A lot of this is about getting people together in the one discussion. There are multiple local authorities involved, a State institution and the Department over all with the budgetary and policy purview. I completely understand the concerns and agree with the need to review those speed limits now and not just wait until this project is finished. I will convey that to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien.”
“A scheme to improve this has been designed and is expected to be implemented in the coming months. Work is starting on this project but I think we all agree that it needs to happen quicker. We are looking into 2026 to really get the emphasis on this project. I am more than happy to take back the concerns the Senator has raised here in the Chamber this morning but also to make it clear that these are the concerns of a sizeable amount of the local population, and they are more than happy to mobilise to get behind this project. I will refer that to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and make sure we get this project delivered as quickly as possible.”
“With regard to improvements to the existing road, the Minister understands from TII that three high-collision location sites have been identified in recent years on this section of the N25. One site at Curraghmore was improved as part of a pavement scheme in 2020 and saw the introduction of central hatching and ghost island junctions. Another at Gaulstown involved roadside boulders being removed and I understand that at Ballynamona, a fixed-speed camera has recently gone live. In recent years, substantial lengths of timber post and rail fence along this section of the N25 have been replaced with tension mesh fence, making the roadside boundary more forgiving. The signage at the end of the southbound climbing lane near Glenmore is under review by Kilkenny County Council.”
“The N25 Waterford to Glenmore project would link the N25 New Ross bypass and the N25 Waterford city bypass and is expected to consist of approximately 9.4 km of high-quality road, completing the upgrade of the N25 between New Ross and Waterford. This would also address the safety issues on the stretch of the N25 between Glenmore Hill and Luffany roundabout. With regard to the status of this project, the preferred transport route was selected in 2021. As the scheme did not receive an allocation for 2025, it cannot progress to the design and environmental evaluation phase at this time and remains at the end of the route options selection phase. Subject to the ongoing NDP review, it is intended to fund this project next year to complete the route selection phase and to commence the design and environmental evaluation phase.”
“The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it. The funding for new roads was phased across the period of the NDP, with €1.1 billion allocated for national roads from 2021 to 2025 and €4 billion allocated between 2026 and 2030. As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that TII has been unable to provide funding over the past three years for the N25 Waterford to Glenmore scheme. However, approximately €502 million of Exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities in 2025 alone.”
“I thank the Senator. This is our first official engagement. He should not tell the world we had dinner together last night. Let us keep it official as far as possible. As the Senator is aware, the Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the NDP, the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021-30. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility throughout the country as well as compact growth, which are key strategic objectives.”
“As of 8 June more than 6,500 applications had been received for the payment scheme. More than 5,200 payments had been processed and completed or were in the process of being made. More than 5,800 notices of termination had issued applicants, over 82% of which contained an offer of benefits. The value of financial payments to date is more than €65 million, a not insignificant amount of money but, in the context of what went on for decades and decades, no amount could be put on it. As I pointed out, section 49 of the Act provides the Minister with a clear opportunity to add an additional institution based on the advocacy and the determination received. That is the opportunity for Westbank. It is an opportunity that needs to be realised. I thank Senator Boyhan for raising the matter today.”
“I believe the opportunity that lies before us this morning is to continue the process the Senator started to right what is an historical injustice, particularly in relation to the Westbank home. I give my personal commitment to Senator Boyhan, on the floor of this Chamber, that we will take this forward together, engage with the line Minister and get this included. That is only right and just. I will play my full part in everything that is required to make that happen. I will ensure the Tánaiste will also do so, and he has asked me to convey that to the Senator here on the floor of the House.”
“The Government ultimately decided on a scheme which is, in overall terms, significantly broader than those recommended by the commission. The Government recognises there are people who suffered stigma, trauma and abuse in other institutions. If it were to come to light that an institution in respect of which the State had a regulatory or inspection function fulfilled a similar function with regard to single women and their children as those included in the payment scheme, section 49 of the Act provides that the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, may insert an additional institution into the Schedule.”
“It did not consider that it would be appropriate to include Westbank in its terms of reference. The report states, “Westbank was not generally regarded as a mother and baby home but rather as an orphanage.” Chapter 2 of the social history section of the commission of investigation report details the different types of institutions that existed and whether they could be considered mother and baby institutions. Westbank orphanage is listed as a residential children's home. For this reason, it is not included in the mother and baby institutions payment scheme. The proposals for the payment scheme were developed following extensive deliberations on the very complex issues in question. They were informed by consultation with survivors, as well as the recommendations of the commission of investigation and an interdepartmental working group.”
“They are absolutely people who deserve the attention that for so long they did not get. The institutions covered by the payment scheme are set out in Schedule 1 to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Act 2023. As the Senator has laid out, Westbank orphanage, which was previously known as the Protestant home for orphan and destitute girls, or the Harold's Cross orphanage, was not investigated by the commission of investigation because it operated primarily as a residential children's home rather than as an institution providing ante- and post-natal facilities. In its second interim report, the commission outlined that Westbank orphanage may have been unfairly excluded from the residential institutions redress scheme, administered by the Department of Education and Youth.”
“I am grateful to Senator Boyhan for raising this important issue. To clarify for the Chamber, before I get to the specifics, as Senator Boyhan will appreciate, the mother and baby institutions payment scheme opened for applications in March 2024. It provides payments and health benefits to people who spent time in any of the mother and baby or county home institutions that were identified by the mother and baby homes commission of investigation. As Senator Boyhan knows, a large part of my work as Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora has been working with those survivors of institutional abuse, particularly in Great Britain and a not insignificant number in North America as well, who we have been desperately trying to get into the scheme.”
“The very clear practical concerns the Senator has raised will be taken on board by officials in my Department and by those working in partnership at team Ireland collectively. What we do from an Irish Government point of view will absolutely be best in standard. I think Irish Aid has demonstrated that. Our ambitions in various countries will be maintained. We will be at the forefront in the European family to make sure that what has been gained will not be lost.”
“It is clear that this is a moment of change in the EU. It is clear that the need for Europe to become more competitive is existential. However, in just over 12 months Ireland will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union and our role in the simplification of the competitiveness agenda will be pivotal. Our role is not only to deliver on that agenda but also, as the Senator rightly says, to make sure that agenda is delivered in a manner that still maintains the hard-fought gains. As we work with the EU and other institutions and member states across Europe we seek not a diminution of ambitions but rather a rationalisation of the current framework. Our goal is a system that is streamlined and efficient yet still underpinned with strong values and a commitment to good practice. We will not lose sight of this.”
“We have not achieved everything that we want but we will not undermine or lose sight of what has been achieved simply because we are in a slightly difficult situation. I am happy to go into more detail but I think I have addressed the key issues the Senator raised and hopefully given her the reassurance the House requires.”
“The Senator mentioned meetings that have taken place in recent weeks. Most of these have been done at official level rather than ministerial level so I have not even been in the room. However, I am aware of the discussions to an extent. Ireland has been consistent in its proposal that we support like-minded countries who want to ensure the hard-fought gains of the last few years are not lost. I give the Senator a commitment on the public record that we will absolutely support that the efforts of the CSDDD on the four key areas she addressed are kept in focus and that we do our part to ensure they are maintained. We are not in the business of backing off from what we have achieved. This Government has been in office for quite some time. We have been involved in the discussion.”
“The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is continuing to assess the implications for business, including SMEs, as the discussions on the omnibus proposal progress at EU level. Bearing in mind the mandate from the European Council, and taking into account the current environment, we acknowledge the efforts of the Commission in implementing real change for business. I have no hesitation to make it clear that Ireland is keen to play its part not only in shaping the policy around simplification and competitiveness but also in doing so in a holistic manner. We want a more competitive Ireland and a more competitive Europe - we need that - but if we do not base that competition on standards, values and ethos that matter to how we do business, it is a race to the bottom that we are so keen to avoid.”
“I have 2 minutes and 45 seconds to address the particular points raised by Senator Stephenson. Together with all member states, Ireland is examining the omnibus proposals in detail. I want to be clear that as a matter of principle, we do not endorse a regression of existing standards. Simplification cannot be a race to the bottom. It has to be about better regulation not deregulation. With regard the proposed changes to the CSDDD, it is important that we do not lose sight of the objectives of the directive, which aims to promote responsible business conduct. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Burke, has been very clear that he is supportive in principle of initiatives to simplify reporting requirements and reduce costs on companies, most especially SMEs.”
“The importance of reform is being pushed strongly by the European Council which last October called for a “simplification revolution” by ensuring a clear, simple and smart regulatory framework for businesses and reducing administrative, regulatory and reporting burdens, in particular for SMEs. Under this mandate, the Commission has proposed a series of omnibus packages on the simplification of various pieces of legislation. To date five of these packages have been published. These include the omnibus package on sustainability; the omnibus II package on investment simplification; the omnibus III package on Common Agriculture Policy reform; the omnibus IV package on the extension of certain mitigating measures available for SMEs to small mid-cap enterprises; and the omnibus V package facilitating investment in defence capabilities.”
“I thank the Senator raising this important matter and for her ongoing advocacy and engagement, in a very constructive manner, on a key issue of importance not just to Ireland and Europe but to the wider world. It is extremely important. The increased focus on burden reduction, or simplification, at EU level is inherently linked to efforts to enhance European and Irish competitiveness in the evolving global trading environment. The Letta and Draghi reports published last year were clear that we must become more innovative, more productive and more competitive.”
“I thank the Deputies for raising this important matter, and Deputies Crowe and Ó Murchú for raising the situations regarding muscular dystrophy and the individual cases they already raised with the Tánaiste. I undertake with the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to put our collective shoulders to the wheel on that issue as well.”
“The amendment to the motion that seeks to have the Bill read a Second Time in 12 months is to provide the opportunity to see this additional due diligence completed. We should not lose sight of the fact that transparency forms only one part of ensuring accountability and managing conflicts of interest. Our joint goal should be to provide the best care possible for patients and healthcare service users. It is essential that further and broader consideration take place in advance of this Bill progressing. The amendment to the motion will allow for this further consideration and analysis of how the Bill interacts with existing transparency and accountability measures.”
“In particular, proportionality of future measures needs to be considered to ensure any sanctions are proportionate to the obligations and that any potential measures are in line with international experience and best practice. Consideration of minimising unintended consequences is also required to ensure any proposed improvements are aligned with best practice. It is necessary to ensure that any future measures achieve the objectives outlined above and are appropriately aligned with data protection obligations. While the Government is supportive of the broad principles outlined in the Bill, as are key stakeholders, including patients, further and broader consideration is needed in advance of this Bill progressing.”
“Such considerations need to include international experience and best practice, a review of current measures, consideration of the appropriate monitoring of measures to provide assurance on compliance, minimising unintended consequences, opportunities for improvement in an Irish context aligned with best practice findings, and value for money and data protection considerations. It is clear that progress in this area needs to be multipronged and involve engagement with the pharmaceutical sector, medicines agencies and international experts. Our goal should be first to establish best practice, benchmark the existing measures in Ireland against it and consider any improvements that could be achieved.”
“The Government appreciates what this Bill aims to achieve, but a broader consideration is needed to achieve this. The Minister for Health supports the broad principles of the Bill and has written to the Joint Committee on Health stating her support for an exploration of transfers of value between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare practitioners and organisations. It is necessary that any examination encompasses the regulatory and legal aspects in advance of any measures being introduced.”
“As outlined earlier by the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, such measures include the Medicinal Products (Control of Advertising) Regulations 2007; the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 to 2001, as amended; professional codes of conduct and ethics for healthcare professionals; voluntary self-regulation; and codes of practice for industry. These measures clearly support accountability and transparency and ultimately promote a high standard of patient care. However, a whole-of-system approach is needed so the public can be assured that healthcare provider recommendations are based solely on clinical evidence and experience. This prioritises the best interests of patients and patient safety. Transparency is important, but it forms only one part of ensuring accountability and ethical collaboration and eliminating conflicts of interest.”
“I thank the cosponsors for bringing the Bill to Second Stage and all the Deputies for an engaging discussion on the issue. It is an important matter and, as previously stated, the Government fully supports transparency in the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare professionals regarding transfers of value to healthcare professionals or organisations. It is clear that we all agree on the need for transparency and high ethical standards in healthcare professions. There should be transparency about transactions between commercial interests and healthcare providers. This is the Government's intention and we have measures that place obligations on healthcare professionals as well as the pharmaceutical and medical products industry to achieve this.”
“On the specific LCSP in the Deputy's area, I will ask the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, to liaise directly with his office to provide the updated information.”
“These community-based multi-agency initiatives aim to divert young people from criminal or antisocial behaviour at source. There are now 93 youth diversion projects nationwide, with two new projects, in east Clare and north Tipperary, to be operational by the end of this year, ensuring full national cover. I want to highlight the availability of funding for community-based CCTV schemes. Since 2017, over €950,000 has been approved for 36 schemes, and a further €1 million is available this year. Applications can be made by local authorities. Community groups may request their local authority to apply for funding. Once operational, the LCSPs will be the appropriate forums to co-ordinate such initiatives.”
“Local gardaí have dealt with a number of young people regarding specific incidents of antisocial behaviour in the area. A number of individuals are either engaging with juvenile liaison officers or are before the courts and subject to strict bail conditions. On behalf of the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, I assure the Deputy that local gardaí will continue to work collaboratively with everyone in the community. While enforcement is essential, we also recognise that many of the young people involved in antisocial behaviour have simply strayed onto the wrong path. That is why prevention and early intervention are essential to our approach. The youth diversion projects that are funded by the Department of Justice are vital in this work.”
“I really appreciate the opportunity to come back in. I cannot stress enough how important it is that any of these issues that are brought to the attention of the House are solved by all of us. None of us can claim responsibility. None of us can shoulder all the blame. If we work together, however, we can alleviate the impact of what is happening. Community gardaí play such an important part in addressing and resolving these issues at local level. Members from the Ballymun community policing team have held Garda clinics specifically for the residents of Northwood, one of which was attended by the divisional crime prevention officer. The neighbouring policing team has also begun the process of establishing a business watch for Gulliver's Retail Park.”
“However, I understand that gardaí have already increased high-visibility patrols in the Northwood area following a recent robbery in Gulliver's Retail Park. As a result of these patrols, the suspect was arrested by local gardaí and is currently before the courts. Community gardaí are continuing to act with the community in this area. I will go into more detail on matters relating to community gardaí in my next slot. I would do the matter a disservice if I were to just run through the first two paragraphs at this point.”
“While administrative boundaries require that certain areas fall into neighbouring LCSPs, the overarching aim is to maintain a co-ordinated, place-based response to community safety needs. The National Office for Community Safety, based out of the Department of Justice, has prepared a comprehensive guidance document. Additionally, the National Office for Community Safety will establish networks for LCSP chairs, co-ordinators and members, giving opportunities for collaboration to share examples of best practice and request support for emergent issues and co-ordinate and communicate in related areas. I will probably need to wait until the next slot to address the issues relating to Northwood more fully.”
“The pilot partnerships were subject to independent monitoring and evaluation with baseline, interim and final reports published. The learning from these pilots is being used to inform the national roll out of LCSPs. A total of 36 partnerships will be rolled out following the finalising of regulations in each local authority area. There will be one in each of the Dublin City Council administrative areas - five in total - and two in Fingal, namely one in north Fingal and another in west Fingal. Each LCSP will be led by a voluntary chair and supported by a full-time co-ordinator and administrator. The chair will be elected from among and by the partnership membership.”
“I was a member of one of those committees in my area. They will have broader membership, bringing together local councillors, gardaí, residents, communities - including minority and new communities - education and business representatives and statutory agencies such as the HSE, Tusla, and local authorities. Each LCSP will develop a tailored community safety plan for its area. Regulations to formally establish the LCSPs are being finalised. I am informed by the Minister that these regulations will be completed shortly. The success of the pilot LCSPs demonstrated the value of this model. The Dublin north inner city plan included 50 actions across five priority areas and fostered strong collaboration between gardaí, youth services, addiction supports and local authorities.”