Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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94. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the statistics on domestic violence; her views on whether there is under-reporting of the figures here in view of the figures in Northern Ireland; her further views on whether there is a need to change a culture in An Garda Síochána on the accurate recording of domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6734/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by An Garda Síochána that there is no generally-accepted international standard classification for the recording of incidents concerning domestic violence/abuse, or for the definition of such incidents.

The recording of incidents relating to domestic abuse is being closely monitored by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau to ensure:

- a uniform approach is maintained in the recording and investigation of such incidents

- that records accurately reflect such violence/abuse; and

- that victims receive appropriate supports from members of An Garda Síochána, in the monitoring, managing and investigation of such incidents and from other state and non-governmental organisations within the community.

Since the publication of the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation, in November 2014, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has been providing strong support for measures to improve the quality of crime figures. The CSO is chairing an Expert Group which is considering the Inspectorate’s recommendations on crime statistics, including an examination of the crime counting rules. I understand that the Expert Group is due to provide a report in the coming weeks, which will be published.

Work to address the full range of the Garda Inspectorate’s recommendations, including in relation to data quality is ongoing and is supported by very large investments totalling €330 million from 2016-2021 for Garda technology and systems, including €250 million under the Capital Plan.

Significant work is underway to improve the collection of data relating to the recording of domestic violence. While progress has been made, further incremental improvements will occur over time, resulting in the delivery of far more robust data to support An Garda Síochána in analysing and improving their service to victims of domestic violence.