Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the Garda protective services unit for the Wexford division will be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24576/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) will be in operation within every Garda Síochána division shortly. Roll-out of these Units will meet a key commitment in A Policing Service for our Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

Garda authorities have informed me that the Wexford DPSU will be launched on 24 September 2020. To date a total of 21 DPSUs have been established to date across 20 Divisions, including two established in the DMR West Division.

More broadly, I can assure the Deputy that addressing domestic abuse remains a key priority for An Garda Síochána and the justice sector as a whole at this time. In recognition of the added risk of domestic abuse during the pandemic, my Department has led development of an inter-agency plan to address domestic abuse in the context of the Covid-19 crisis.  This includes the provision of additional funding to frontline services, to ensure that supports and services remain available to victims and other measures to ensure that the civil and criminal justice system can continue to give priority to domestic abuse.  An Garda Síochána continues to give priority to those who are at risk of domestic abuse, through a targeted operation “Operation Faoisimh” and a public awareness campaign has also been launched, in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, to publicise the support which is still available. The campaign website www.stillhere.ie includes up to date information on domestic abuse and sexual violence, as well as information on the services and supports which are available to victims.