Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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199. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will convene an interdepartmental group involving An Garda Síochána, Tusla, the Health Service Executive, the Courts Service and the Central Statistics Office to examine the development of a system to record data on domestic violence accurately. [20475/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, there are already a number of measures being taken to advance data collection, collation and analysis in relation to crime incidents generally and specifically in the area of domestic violence.

Following on recommendations from the Garda Inspectorate, we have seen significant work to underpin the integrity of crime statistics, including two detailed reviews of crime data quality which were carried out in by the CSO in 2015 and 2016, and I understand that the CSO intends to carry out further such reviews. I am also advised that the Expert Group on Crime Statistics, chaired by the CSO, has prepared a report which considers a number of issues raised by the Garda Inspectorate and this is due to be published in the coming weeks.

In relation to domestic violence, Cosc – the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence; An Garda Síochána; the Courts Service; and the Probation Service are all currently working on a State Data Committee with the Central Statistics Office and Tusla under the Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based violence 2016 – 2021 in order to improve data availability and disaggregation in the area. Specifically, the Second National Strategy provides for the establishment of a gold standard with regard to the collection and analysis of data under a range of categories. Similarly, the recently established Data Working Group, chaired by Cosc, with representative members from non-government organisations including Women’s Aid, SAFE Ireland and Sonas Domestic Violence Charity Ltd. are currently devising a work plan to advise on the enhancement of data in the area.

I am advised that the recording of incidents relating to domestic abuse is 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.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that work is ongoing to ensure that proper quality assurance processes are put in place, with a view to publishing relevant statistical information in due course, and after appropriate consultations with the CSO.

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.

While it is not intended to convene an interdepartmental group at this time, I can assure the Deputy that 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.