Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising the matter. I assure the House that An Garda Síochána takes appropriate action to respond to assaults, domestic violence incidents and sexual offences that are reported to it. Senators will be aware that An Garda Síochána is available at all times of the day and night, every day and every night, to intervene where there is a danger to life or the safety of any citizens of the State. That includes, in particular, victims of domestic violence. An Garda Síochána has comprehensive policies in place on domestic violence, sexual violence and dangers to children.

The courts need to have available to them various methods of disposal to ensure that they can respond appropriately to the wide range of criminal offences that come before them and the circumstances of each individual case. It is fundamental to our system of justice, as Senators will appreciate, that the courts are independent of the Executive in regard to any particular case before them. While specific difficulties arise in regard to particular aspects of criminal justice legislation, the Minister for Justice and Equality will of course bring forward such amending legislation as may be necessary. As I already stated, specific consideration is being given to amendment of the compensation order provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and reform of the court poor box in the context of forthcoming legislation on community sanctions. The Minister intends that this consolidation and reform of domestic violence legislation will be progressed as soon as possible, having regard to the need for consultations, other legislative priorities and any recommendations of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality arising from its examination of domestic and sexual violence.