Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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181. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality how his Department intends to rebuild trust among victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and gender based violence who may be reluctant to seek support again due to previous negative experiences with An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36499/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality how his Department is engaging with organisations such as women’s aid to ensure that victim-survivor feedback informs Garda training and policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36500/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.

Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is a central priority for me as Minister for Justice.

The work that Women's Aid do to confront, challenge and end domestic abuse in Ireland is vital and its impact cannot be overstated. It was my privilege to launch the organisation's annual report last month, which provided me the opportunity to hear from survivors, their experiences and their concerns.

In March, I hosted the annual national DSGBV forum, which brings together key stakeholders to advance the Government’s commitment to a zero tolerance approach to DSGBV. Both An Garda Síochána and Women’s Aid are members of this forum. At this forum I reiterated my commitment to expanding support services, strengthening legal protections and driving cultural change to prevent violence and abuse.

It should be noted that work to improve victims' engagement with the justice system is ongoing, including through the implementation of ‘Supporting a Victims Journey’; a detailed plan to give effect to the recommendations made in the O'Malley Review, which was published in 2020.

This work has been brought forward in 'Zero Tolerance', the Third National Strategy on DSGBV, which commenced in 2022. This is the government's five-year programme of reform to establish a society which does not accept these heinous crimes or the attitudes which underpin them.

I am informed by the Commissioner that all Garda trainees receive comprehensive training in relation to understanding and investigating and dealing with incidents of Domestic Abuse. As first responders to incidents of domestic abuse and violence I believe it is essential that all Gardaí are trained to respond appropriately and are equipped to deal with victims. I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that there has been significant investment in training for their members (attested, probationer and serving Garda members) to deal with domestic violence and importantly support victims and of their commitment to continue this.

A further key development has been the roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) in Garda Divisions across the country. This ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as sexual violence present to Gardaí they can be immediately met with specialist assistance.

The establishment of Cuan the Domestic Sexual Gender and Based Violence Agency in 2024 is a key element to achieving Zero Tolerance by driving and implementing all actions set out in the Strategy, and developing future plans regarding DSGBV.

Strengthening trust and confidence in our justice system is essential in encouraging victims to seek help and holding perpetrators to account and I will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána, Cuan and other stakeholders on this.

As aspects of both questions also relate to the work carried out by Cuan, I have referred them to Cuan for their response.