Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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53. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the protocols in place for the way gardaí treat victims of domestic violence who enter Garda stations to make reports. [21158/17]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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54. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure standardisation and harmonisation of the way complaints of domestic violence are addressed by An Garda Síochána in order that women are not impeded from making complaints and cases brought forward are not undermined. [21159/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.

I have sought information from the Garda Síochána in relation to the matters raised and will revert to the Deputy upon receipt of this information.

In the meantime I can advise the Deputy that following the establishment by An Garda Síochána of a National Garda Protective Services Bureau, led by a Chief Superintendent, and the establishment of a new nationwide network of Garda Victim Service Offices with dedicated staff in each of the 28 Garda Divisions further initiatives are now planned locally to improve the services to victims of domestic violence. The National Garda Services Bureau is tasked with improving services to victims, improving the investigation of domestic violence incidents, and identifying and managing risk. It is intended to establish Divisional Protected Services Units in each Garda Division, mirroring the responsibilities held by the National Protected Services Bureau. This will be rolled out shortly on a phased basis starting with 3 Divisions - Louth, Dublin Metropolitan Region West and Cork City. Part of the initiative is more appropriate accommodation for victims to make reports.

Furthermore, a new Garda domestic violence policy has recently been finalised with input from the voluntary sector and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The policy places victims at its centre and will increase the awareness and enhance the capability of of members of An Garda Síochána when dealing with this issue. The policy will inform the training of members of An Garda Síochána, the continuous professional development of members and modular training for the Divisional Protected Services Units.