Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his kind words. I should have paid tribute to the Minister's predecessor, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, who played a key role in driving through the legislation. I accept that data gathering mechanisms are operational matters for An Garda Síochána and the office of the DPP but there has been a good deal of concern about how data are gathered by the Garda in recent weeks, particularly homicide data and data on domestic violence. It is important to ask these questions. I hope to do this in a constructive manner to assist in ensuring the legislation is implemented effectively. I am glad to hear the new PULSE category will be made live by the end of this week on 30 March. It is good to hear. I am glad initiatives to ensure enforcement are being developed. I will keep the matter on a priority list by raising Commencement matters as much as I can.

I think I am right in saying the report on the number of arrests made must be prepared within the three-year period. I hope we will have data in advance of that, perhaps in a few months' time, on the number of arrests and incidents recorded. Will the Minister indicate if that will be possible? I intend to raise the issue again to assist the Minister and his officials in ensuring the new law is effective.