Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the issue of the Policing Authority Assessment of Policing Performance 2023, with a particular focus on child sexual abuse and child safety. As outlined in this policing report, the strategic approach to addressing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence has seen a significant transformation in the past few years. The establishment of the divisional protective services units and the renewed focus on responding to these crimes have led to increased reporting of incidents, particularly in cases of domestic abuse and coercive control. The success of these units will play a fundamental role in child protection within our community.

The report states that the resourcing boost to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has led to notable improvements in investigations, especially in identifying children who may be victims of sexual abuse offences. The report acknowledges challenges faced by investigating units, such as workload pressures and the ongoing review of the divisional protective services units. It is crucial that An Garda Síochána addresses this as a priority.

The report acknowledges the Garda commitment to supporting children as victims and states that it made significant strides in implementing the recommendations to improve the response to child sexual abuse cases. The introduction of a memorandum of understanding with Tusla and the piloting of the Barnahus model in Galway demonstrates the dedication to providing a more efficient and protective response to these vulnerable children. The piloting of the Barnahus model in Galway, a child-friendly, inter-agency response to child sexual abuse, has shown promise in providing a more efficient and protective response. While challenges have been identified in information sharing and communication between partners, the report notes that the overall feedback has been positive.

I commend the report, which demonstrates clearly the Garda commitment to further enhancing efforts in regard to child interviewing, ensuring consistency in our services to child victims of crime and addressing concerns about the capacity and resourcing of the divisional protective services units. However, there are still concerns regarding the timely response to reports of child sexual abuse, particularly in conducting joint agency interviews promptly.

The report also acknowledges the three children attacked in Dublin on 23 November and their carer. The events of that date were harrowing and the public response, including to the subsequent riots, reflected strong concerns for community safety, policing and police response to public rioting. I call on the Government to ensure that An Garda Síochána and related agencies that play any role in child safety are adequately resourced as a priority.