Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy made two points. I share his concern regarding sexual offences. He also referred to the steps being taken to improve the quality of crime data. On the latter point, I wish to assure the Deputy that I and officials in my Department, in conjunction with the Policing Authority, will continue to monitor the progress of An Garda Síochána in ensuring that the information published and our national statistics are returned to the highest standards.

On sexual offences, I wish to advise the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to improve its specialist services in this regard. I acknowledge the importance of the roll-out of the divisional protective services units, nine of which have been established. The plan and target is that there will be a divisional protective services unit in all divisions by the end of the year.

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