Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour)
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388. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to liaise with An Garda Síochána to implement an Operation Encompass-style support for children who have experienced domestic abuse as exists in the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8211/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Operation Encompass Programme involves the police sharing information with a child’s school where there has been a domestic incident at the child’s home the previous day. A member of staff in the school could then ensure that the child was given the appropriate support during the school day.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have convened an Inter-Departmental Group, which includes representatives from my Department, Tusla and An Garda Síochána, to explore the feasibility of the introduction of a programme in Ireland similar to Operation Encompass in England and Wales.

My officials will continue to work as part of this Inter-Departmental Group to consider whether a similar programme can be implemented in Ireland.