Written answers

Thursday, 18 October 2018

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Deployment

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

146. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 12 July 2018, the Garda personnel in County Louth with responsibility for implementing the domestic abuse intervention policy 2017. [42775/18]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 240 for answer on 12 July 2018. At the time I responded that I would request the information sought by you from the Garda Commissioner and that I would write directly to you on receipt of same. This information has been received and is included in the substantive response below.

As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.

An Garda Síochána’s Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy 2017 was developed in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions and incorporates changes in legislation, developments arising from the Cosc National Strategies on the prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and to comply with the Istanbul Convention and the EU Victims Directive. The theme running though the policy is the provision by An Garda Síochána of information, support and protection to victims. The policy document on domestic abuse identifies the nature of intervention that personnel within An Garda Síochána are required to make when responding to domestic abuse related incidents. The policy incorporates Garda Síochána standards, procedures, relevant legislation and victim support information relevant to domestic abuse related incidents.

I am advised that under the policy victims of domestic abuse are provided with the information, support and protection in accordance with the Garda Victim Service Policy and EU Victims Directive. The victim is provided with a copy of the relevant domestic abuse information literature and is made aware of the relevant services, both statutory and voluntary, in the area which may be of assistance to them. I am informed that each Garda Division has a nominated Inspector, who has responsibility for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the domestic abuse intervention policy when dealing with incidents of domestic abuse.

The Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021 envisages a range of actions to be implemented by State, voluntary and community sector organisations aimed at preventing and responding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. An Garda Síochána is committed to supporting this strategy, and in March 2015 a number of Garda units were brought together to leverage their experience and expertise in investigating serious crimes against the person including sexual offences to form the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) led by a Chief Superintendent.

The GNPSB is a specialist team dedicated to making sure each and every complaint relating to child protection, human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence is thoroughly investigated and handled correctly. In addition, the GNPSB is responsible for working with other agencies to manage sex offenders in the interest of community safety.

As part of the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 Protective Services Units (PSUs) are to be established in every Garda Division with specially trained staff on a phased basis. I am advised by the Commissioner that Phase 1 involved the establishment of Units in three Divisions the Dublin Metropolitan Region West, Cork City, and the Louth Division over a 12-month period on a pilot basis. These units mirror the responsibilities held by the GNPSB and ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime. The PSUs work with the Garda Victim Service Offices in their area to ensure that the needs of victims are adequately catered for.

I understand that all Garda personnel receive training in the investigation of incidents considered domestic abuse, in all its forms, with additional training provided to Gardaí selected for duties as detectives. Similarly, additional and more specific training has been developed for the Divisional Protective Services Units, which has commenced in three Garda divisions, DMR West , Cork City and Louth.

I am informed by the Commissioner that there is one Sergeant and five Gardaí assigned to the Louth Divisional PSU which is based in Castlebellingham Garda Station. It is expected that additional resources will be allocated to this unit shortly.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.