Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes all operational and investigative policing matters. As Minister I have no role in, and cannot seek to direct the Commissioner in relation to, such matters.

I have been informed by Garda authorities that a search of the PULSE database was conducted on 8 January 2024 to identify any incident of type ‘Formal Notification to Tusla Child & Family Agency’ reported since 1 January 2021. The count of incidents reported at Garda District level for each year from 2021 to 2023 is contained in the table attached. I am further advised that this information is operational and is liable to change.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no role.

I have been informed that since March 2023, and the recommencement of the joint training protocol, 23 Tusla personnel have competed the five-day training.

The Deputy should note that these five days form part of 'Stage 1 – Module 1' of the 24-month Specialist Interviewer Training Programme undertaken by members of An Garda Síochána.

Prior to 2023, under previous joint training protocol attendance, less than 10 Tusla Personnel had fully completed the 24-month Specialist Interviewer Training Programme, while less than 10 Tusla Personnel are still at Stage 2 (Supervision) of the Programme.