Lynn Ruane (Independent)
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I thank all the witnesses for their presentations on such an important topic. A couple of years ago I did a lot of research on the model, especially in relation to vulnerable witnesses and the courts procedure. I produced a report on it and it might be useful if I send it on to others on the committee.

I have a lot of questions so I will probably come back in on the second round as well. I might aim the first few questions at Mr. Noonan or Mr. Kelly. There was mention in the opening statement of the process for appointing personnel to each of the centres on a more permanent basis and that it would potentially draw on current funds given the demands on policing.

I was hoping to get a bit more insight into the role that Garda personnel play at present within the centres. I know this is something on which the Garda engages a lot in terms of the vulnerability of the witnesses. I would also like to speak about how the gardaí are chosen. Even with the best intent and will in the world, it is a very particular subject to have to engage in. Recently, I did a bit of work, for example, on the coroner system and mothers who have been bereaved in particular ways, such as following an overdose or in violent circumstances. Even though the gardaí who have been appointed are said to have some experience in this area, they become forensic in their language over many years from being in the culture. They may not even realise what kind of language they use. Some of the mothers I have worked with said that when they received the information that their child had been found dead, they were told "We have found the remains" or "We have to move the body" from a place. All of a sudden, this person who was alive in someone's mind is "a body". That is not due to any intent of the garda to add that level of trauma to a person who is already receiving information. What is the contact like at the moment? How are people trained? If there was an ongoing presence in a situation, would the garda be without a uniform? How do we assess what things act as barriers in such situations?

I might ask one or two more questions before a response is given. Is there a role for An Garda Síochána in liaising with the specialist interviewers? I would welcome more information on that. From the research I have done, I know there is an Icelandic model. It uses the evidence-based protocol whereby a clinical psychologist formulates questions based on judicial approval. I wonder what the process and protocol are here and what the experience has been with that so far. What changes are made when the victim is perhaps more susceptible to harm? I think of younger children and children with disabilities, children in care or those who do not have an existing support structure.

The Department mentioned that a review of the guidelines is under way. Perhaps one of the witnesses from the Department could highlight the key aspects that this review might focus on in that regard.

This is my final question for Mr. Kelly or Mr. Noonan. One of the aims of the Barnahus model is to increase the rate of prosecution. I wonder if this has been assessed since Barnahus West became operational. If they do not have it, perhaps one of the other witnesses might have figures to hand on the prosecution and conviction rates since the Barnahus model was introduced. I know it is still early days but I am interested in hearing if that kind of data is being kept.

I have one question for Ms Shortt. She mentioned the virtual service. I wonder if she could talk a little bit about that. The instinct is to look at how trauma-informed and beneficial a virtual service is compared to an in-house service. Physical structure plays an important part in terms of what is around you, what you are looking at, and what you are sitting on - all of those things. I wonder how a virtual service is integrated into a model like this to make sure the same level of care is provided. Obviously there is a level of care being provided but I am interested in that extra layer in terms of understanding the environment and surroundings that may impact on a young person's engagement.