Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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179. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s external audit of the way responsibility for domestic, sexual, gender-based violence is segmented across State bodies is not included in the current list of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13771/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The external audit of the current structure overseeing the delivery of policy and services with regard to Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) across Government was not included in the response to the question that the Deputy is referring to in relation to studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by me.

Having considered this matter further, I can appreciate how this external audit would be of interest in that context and as such I would like to provide the Deputy with an update in respect of it.

The Department of Justice Strategy Statement and Justice Plan 2021 commits to conduct an audit of how responsibility for Domestic, Sexual and Gender based Violence (DSGBV) is segmented across different government agencies. The audit is currently being undertaken by external consultants Mary Higgins and Ellen O’Malley Dunlop with meaningful involvement from relevant NGOs and service providers, as well as input from Departments and agencies, who will, as part of their work, be required to take account of the views of those working at the frontline.

The results of this independent audit are due to be reported early in Q2 2021. This evaluation will provide us with clear valuable guidance for designing our systems to best meet the needs of victims of DSGBV and improve how we do this better in the longer-term.

Tackling domestic abuse and ensuring we have the best possible infrastructure to support victims is a priority for me as Minister and for Government. I am working with my colleagues and with our partners to ensure we have an appropriate collective national response that supports victims and holds perpetrators to account.