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

I thank the three Deputies for raising these issues. First, let me touch on the issue raised by Deputy Richmond, namely, the support for An Garda Síochána. The Deputy is correct that gardaí are often placed in very difficult circumstances and asked to respond to very challenging situations. They put themselves at risk every day of the week. We have seen this most recently with the unfortunate death of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. We need to make sure that we protect our gardaí and that services are in place for them when they feel they need them. The overall review is under way as part of the plan A Policing Service for the Future. I refer to the implementation of the commission review. The Garda is carrying out a review of post-incident support and signposting policy. It is important that this be done. Moneys were provided last year by my Department for the transformation fund to support the development of a health and wellness strategy for the members. This strategy is being rolled out on an ongoing basis. I very much welcome the overall review, especially in respect of how we can support members of An Garda Síochána when they need support most, given that they support us when we need them most.

On Deputy Carroll MacNeill's question, I spoke to the Deputy yesterday, particularly about manipulation and how it can occur throughout the progress of a case through the system. I welcome the fact that the Deputy raised this. I will certainly speak to her about how we can try to address this matter.

Let me touch on domestic abuse a little more. While I said funding has been allocated, I believe more will probably be needed. What is important about what has happened in recent months is that we learn from it and ensure we continue to implement the existing measures but also implement new ones. My Department is leading efforts to identify the lessons we can learn from the inter-agency plan we have put in place to combat domestic abuse in the context of the Covid pandemic. This is a process that includes input from the community and, most important, the voluntary sector working in this area, and my Department. I envisage what is almost a second action plan. We are reviewing the adaptations made in the context of the pandemic that can be made more permanent in addition to other reforms that can be brought into play. There is considerable work being done in this area. It is extremely important.

On Deputy O'Dowd’s point, especially on the use of the proceeds of crime to combat the effects of crime and to support victims of crime, I am very interested in making progress. I am aware the Deputy raised policing in the Drogheda area with the Commissioner at the recent joint policing committee meeting in his own area. Obviously, this is under the review. The Commissioner is taking on board the points the Deputy made.

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