The importance of financially supporting Community Text Alert schemes has been highlighted by a Waterford Senator.
Fine Gael's John Cummins raised the issue in the Seanad yesterday - and called for the introduction of a grant scheme.
He outlined the various benefits of the Text Alert initiative.
"The texts that are often sent out by local Community Text Alert schemes ask people to be vigilant of certain types of vehicles in certain areas," he said.
"These texts provide invaluable information about a recent crime that may have occurred and ask for the public's help. The Gardaí I interact with say they are hugely important in terms of tackling crime and assisting them in solving crime, particularly in rural Ireland."
Senator Cummins outlined the value for money which he believes the service provides.
"I think €1 million to €1.5 million to provide baseline support, and €750 to €1,000 for each of these groups, is a very small amount of money in the context of the Department of Justice," he said.
Senator Cummins asked that a funding decision be "expedited without delay".
"It does not need deeper sanction," he said.
"It's something that is within the gift of the Department."
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