I call on the Minister for justice, Jim O'Callaghan, to provide some clarity regarding the local safety partnerships that were established following the bringing to an end of the joint policing committees. I was a member of Mayo's joint policing committee for a number of years and found it to be an excellent forum to discuss policing-related issues in a very constructive, community-led way.

In Mayo - I believe it is the same in other counties - there is a lack of clarity around the attendance of the media at meetings of the local safety partnerships, which is creating a lot of discontent locally. I respect the full authority of the partnerships' decision in this regard, but my view is that the media should have access to these meetings across the country. It is very important, out of public interest, that members of communities understand that their issues, concerns and voices are being heard in respect of policing-related matters. Ensuring that this happens really oxygenates democracy. Without the media's attendance, things can be misconstrued in terms of these meetings.

I would welcome it if the Minister could make a decision on and give direction in respect of this matter for all local safety partnerships across the country. There is ambiguity at the moment. The partnership in Mayo has decided not to have the media in attendance. My view is that the media should be included. That would benefit the councillors who are working hard on the ground in communities. Sometimes, they are not credited for the work that they do. Having the media in attendance can demonstrate that there is active representation on behalf of concerned communities on the policing-related matters of the day.