Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Yes, is the answer to that question. This is a priority of mine and one I engage on regularly with Garda management. Members may be unaware of significant progress as far as these issues are concerned. Ten units have been established to date across nine Garda divisions. Three were established last year in the west Dublin, Louth and Cork City divisions. A further six units were established in January of this year in the south central Dublin, Waterford, Kerry, Carlow-Kilkenny, Limerick and Galway divisions. The stated target, and my stated objective, is that units will be established in all areas by the end of this year.

I recently visited the Cork south west division and I expect progress there during late spring and early summer. Garda management has stated that 64 gardaí are now assigned to the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. All established units are operating from appropriate and suitable accommodation. New equipment is in place as well as training and appropriate courses to ensure the required level of expertise is available, particularly in the context of new legislation this committee had a part in enacting. I mention, in particular, the new domestic violence code and the recent ratification of the Istanbul Convention on combatting violence against women and domestic violence.

I agree with Deputy Clare Daly as to the urgency and importance of the roll-out of the divisional units. The fact I am not in a position to put a costing tag on each individual unit should not detract from the objective and it does not in any way indicate that there is neither a will nor a budget. These units will happen and are happening progressively across the country. Six have already been established this year and I expect a few more during the spring and summer. The stated intention is that every Garda division will have a unit by the end of this year, that is within a mere seven months.