Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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139. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of protective service units operating here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44148/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have been informed by the Commissioner that to date, Divisional Protective Services Units have been established in DMR South Central, Waterford, Kerry, Kilkenny, Carlow, Limerick and Galway Garda Divisions. These are in addition to the units previously established in DMR West, Cork City and Louth Divisions. 

As the Deputy will be aware, I recently welcomed the Garda Commissioner's adoption of a new Garda Operating Model which will see the number of Garda Divisions reduce from 28 to 19. This functional model has long been recommended by independent policing specialists, including the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and is also in the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI).  Rollout of this model meets a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

The Commissioner's plan allows for Divisions of sufficient scale to be self-sufficient in the delivery of services, which will include greater availability of expertise, including  in addressing domestic and sexual violence in each area. 

I am informed by Garda management that it is expected that Divisional Protective Services Units should be rolled-out to the remaining Garda Divisions on a phased basis by the end of 2019. This expected timetable is in accordance with the target set out in 'A Policing Service for the Future'.