Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 610: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place to implement Garda policy in relation to domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, as recommended in the report Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26198/06]

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the recommendations that Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Units should be established in major urban areas outside of Dublin, as recommended in the report Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review, will be put in place; and where these units may be located. [26199/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 and 611 together.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit has a national remit for all cases of domestic violence and sexual assault investigations. Members of the unit are available to advise and assist all members of An Garda Síochána in the investigation of such incidents.

A member of Inspector rank has been appointed in each Garda Division to ensure the uniform implementation of Garda policy relating to incidents of domestic violence. The National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women was party to a Working Group chaired by the Department of Health and Children which recently produced the report to which the Deputy refers.

I have previously indicated that I will take any necessary action to appropriately address any resource requirements which arise from it relating to the provision of medical services to assist the Garda Síochána. Now that the report has been published, I am anxious that the recommendations of the report will be considered by the relevant stakeholders with a view to putting the necessary structures and resources in place at the earliest opportunity.