Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the provision of a specialised team trained in the area of domestic violence in each garda region. [36479/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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During initial training all members of An Garda Síochána receive instructions in the handling and investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. Additional training is given in the Garda College through a number of outside agencies which include Women's Aid, MOVE and AMEN.

While 'domestic violence' is not the subject of specific definition in law, provisions of the following legislation can pertain in such situations:

Domestic Violence Act, 1996 (as amended)

Criminal Damage Act, 1991

Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act, 1997

Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act, 1990

Criminal Justice Public Order Act, 1994

Children Act, 2001

Breach of the Peace at Common Law. The Garda Síochána Policy on Domestic Violence Intervention was the subject of review and revised instructions were issued in 2007 on outline procedures to be adopted in investigating such incidents. There is a duty on all members of An Garda Síochána to investigate all incidents of domestic violence, including reports received from a third party.

Members of An Garda Síochána have at their disposal a number of dedicated suites throughout the State for dealing specifically with children and in some cases adults, who have been the victims of specific offences including domestic violence.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, under Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, has national responsibility for the implementation of Garda Policy on Domestic Violence within the State. There are monitoring mechanisms in place, with a Garda Inspector appointed in every Garda Division, to ensure uniform enforcement countrywide.