“The Devil will be in the detail”
Sinn Féin TD Imelda Munster has welcomed the establishment of the Drogheda Implementation Board, on foot of the findings of the Guerin report and that the LMETB will host new structures to deliver services in Drogheda.
“I welcome the appointment of Mr Michael Keogh, a former senior official in the Department of Education as chair of the Drogheda Implementation Board” Deputy Munster said.
“However we still have no implementation plan and no details on how the recommendations in the Guerin report will be implemented” she added.
“Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys said that it will be published before the summer break, which is next week, and it is vital that it is comprehensive, and includes timeframes, funding allocations and details on how all 70 recommendations will be implemented.
She said that all 70 of the report’s recommendations are important but added that “The devil will be in the detail here and the implementation plan has to be right.”
Deputy Muster also welcomed the passing at second stage of Sinn Féin’s Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill last night which allows for the use of money and assets seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) to be reinvested in communities that have been most affected by organised crime.
“I was concerned last night to see that the government did not support Sinn Féin’s bill to allow for the investment of money and assets seized by CAB into developing community services in areas most affected by gangland crime. They did not oppose the bill, they abstained, which says to me that they are not fully behind this proposal.
“The use of CAB funds for local services in affected areas is supported by local groups in Drogheda, as well as the local Chief Superintendent and the Joint Policing Committee.
“I am worried that the government is all talk, but that they’re not willing to walk the walk and fully implement this plan.
“I will withhold judgment until we see the implementation plan and how the government intends to bring about change in Drogheda.
“I was also disappointed that I was the only Drogheda TD who spoke to the bill last night. We need support from all local representatives in Drogheda to get this over the line as it would be a huge bonus to Drogheda to get this additional funding.
“The last few years have seen absolutely shocking violence and crime in Drogheda. People have endured drug related crime, assaults, arson, extortion and we have even seen murders as a result of this feud.
“We never want to see that again in Drogheda. If this report is to mean anything it has to be backed up with resources, proper funding and clear time-frames.”
