Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue does come under the Garda Vote to some extent. In my opening statement I referenced the implementation of the O'Malley report. Although specific funding has not been identified under the €8 million modernisation budget that was allocated to the courts, as part of the implementation of the O'Malley report a significant amount of work is being done in developing a training programme in respect of domestic and sexual assault cases specifically for members of An Garda Síochána, those working in the Courts Service and the Judiciary. A subgroup set up within the Department is examining this issue. In addition, a consultant will be carrying out a mapping exercise, looking at the training that is currently being provided and identifying where there are gaps and where we need to further develop it. That work will be done in conjunction with members of An Garda Síochána, including the Garda Commissioner and his team, but also through engaging with the Judiciary through the Judicial Council, the Law Society and the Bar Council. I acknowledge that I am moving into issues that fall under Vote 22. There is a significant focus on this issue. Where additional funding is required, it will be provided, either from the funding allocated through the additional O'Malley money or funding that is required through the modernisation budget in the Courts Service. Although it may not necessarily be specified under these headings, there is work under way to identify what is needed. If additional funding is required, it will be allocated.