Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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On the matter of policing and An Garda Síochána, I would like to pick up on the rise in domestic violence which has accompanied Covid. I understand that work is still in progress with regard to the transfer of responsibility for domestic violence between the Minister and her colleague, the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. Will the Minister give us an update on what is happening in that regard and on how that transfer is going?

I will also pick up on another issue. An Garda Síochána has been rolling out district protection units, which is a very positive development. Something I have said to both the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and the previous Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is that it is imperative that Tusla has staff seconded to these units to help them work. One thing I said to the Minister for Justice's predecessor is that sometimes people have to be asked to dance. Will the Minister link in with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and encourage him to have some sweet words with Tusla to ensure that the duty social workers who work on cases of domestic violence and other such difficult issues will be in the units working cheek by jowl with An Garda Síochána? That would result in the best outcomes for the children and families involved. Will the Minister give us an update on where things stand with regard to the transfer of responsibility for domestic violence?