Written answers
Thursday, 5 May 2022
Department of Justice and Equality
An Garda Síochána
Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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204. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardai by rank attached to Clare Divisional Protective Services Bureau as of 1 May 2021 and 1 May 2022, in tabular form. [22454/22]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) has been complete since September of 2020.
It means specially trained officers are available nationwide to engage with and interview victims of certain crimes. This specialisation will ensure that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí – at perhaps their most vulnerable moment – they are met with professional and expert assistance.
Personnel assigned to DPSUs undergo bespoke training on issues such as investigation of sexual crime; child protection; investigation of domestic abuse; online child exploitation and sex offender management.
Under Budget 2022, an additional €1m is being provided to AGS to refurbish and upgrade the Divisional Protective Service Units. This commitment will allow us to better support and protect vulnerable victims.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are currently 359 staff assigned to DPSUs.
The table below shows the number of Gardaí attached to Clare Divisional Protective Services Unit
| National Vacancy Rate By Age (June 2021) | |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year (0-12 months) | 20% |
| 1 year+ to 2 years (13-24 months) | 10% |
| 2 years+ to 3 years (25-36 months) | 17% |
| 3 years+ to 4 years (37-48 months) | 17% |
| 4 years+ to 5 years (49-60 months) Non-School-Going | 12% |
| 4 years+ to 5 years (49-60 months) School-Going | 42% |
| 5 years+ to 6 years (61-72 months) Non-school going | 30% |
| 5 years+ to 6 years (61-72 months) School going | 48% |
| 6 years+ to 8 years (73-96 months) | 37% |
| 8 years+ | 34% |
| Total | 21% |
Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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205. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of senior investigating officers; the total full-time equivalent of each divisional protective service unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22467/22]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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206. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of senior investigating officers; the total full-time equivalent of each child protection unit 2017 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22468/22]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda authorities, however, the information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
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