Sinn Féin Criticizes Media Access Limits for New Policing Committees

Sinn Féin has voiced strong opposition to recent government measures aimed at restricting media access to new policing and community safety committees in Ireland. The party’s spokesperson on Justice, Matt Carthy, who also chairs the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, expressed alarm over the government’s advice to local councils to limit media attendance at meetings of the newly established Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs).

The LCSPs are being formed nationwide to replace the previous Joint Policing Committees (JPCs). These new committees are intended to facilitate discussions on local policing between council members, gardaí, and state agencies. Carthy criticized the move during a statement, describing the restrictions as a “backward step,” which he believes would lead to “less scrutiny” of vital discussions on policing and community safety.

“The Minister for Justice should rescind the advice to councils to limit media coverage and ensure that there is transparency in the work of the new Local Community Safety Partnerships,” Carthy stated, emphasizing the importance of public oversight in the decision-making process.

Concerns Over New Guidelines

The Policing Authority had previously issued guidelines in 2022, stating that meetings of the former JPCs should generally be open to the public and press, unless confidentiality or legal issues arose. However, the recently finalized guidelines from the Department of Justice for the LCSPs have removed this presumption, prompting criticism not only from Sinn Féin but also from other organizations.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised similar concerns, arguing that there should be a general expectation of media access to these new committees. NUJ General Secretary Seamus Dooley pointed out that a culture of secrecy has long plagued local government in Ireland, and restricting media access contradicts the spirit of transparency that should accompany any new initiative.

In addition to media access, Carthy highlighted worries regarding a reduction in the number of councillors involved in the LCSPs. He cautioned that these changes, coupled with the advised restrictions on media coverage, could negatively impact democratic participation and accountability within the new structure.

Official Response from the Department of Justice

In response to the growing criticism, the Department of Justice stated that when an LCSP meeting is held in private, an agreed report should be made available and shared directly with the media. The department characterized the guidelines as a “living document” that may be updated to reflect evolving practices and insights.

While the department underscored the importance of fostering trust among committee members through private meetings, it also acknowledged that this approach should be reassessed as the partnerships progress. It is worth noting that LCSPs are legally required to hold at least one public meeting each year, allowing community members and media representatives to attend.

The ongoing discussion surrounding the formation and operation of the LCSPs reflects broader concerns about governance and transparency in local communities. As the process unfolds, many stakeholders are watching closely to ensure that the changes enhance, rather than hinder, community engagement and safety.