Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
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22. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy review; the progress of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26543/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a priority for this Government, for me as Minister for Justice and for the Garda Commissioner.

An Garda Síochána published its current Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy in 2017.

Every Garda policy is reviewed after 12 months, and again every three years thereafter or as appropriate. This ensures that the policies remain up-to-date and effective.

Since 2017 there have been a number of significant developments in the understanding of domestic abuse, the legislation to address it, and in the recognition of the supports and protections that victims need and deserve.

Training for all Gardaí to equip them to respond appropriately to domestic abuse incidents and to protect and support victims has been updated in recent years.

There are now Divisional Protective Service Units in every Division meaning specially trained Gardai are now available to assist and support vulnerable victims.

The Government has also introduced much stronger legislation to address domestic abuse, including through the introduction of the offence of coercive control which came into effect in 2019, the introduction of intimate image abuse in 2021 and, more recently, in November 2023 through the creation of the standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation.

Zero Tolerance, the whole of Government Third National Strategy on Domestic Sexual and Gender Based Violence was published in 2022 which has a very clear goal – zero tolerance for any form of domestic, sexual or gender-based violence in Irish society and An Garda Síochána were a key partner in helping develop this strategy.

As such, the review of the Garda Domestic Abuse Intervention Policy at this point in time is particularly important and timely.

I am advised that the review itself is nearing completion and that it will be published shortly.