Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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43. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his engagement with the Garda Commissioner in light of the recent Women's Aid report on domestic violence to ensure future training on domestic violence is targeted at all areas of the Garda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36628/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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57. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps his Department is taking to ensure consistency, accountability and trauma-informed practice in the front-line Garda responses to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence across all divisions, in light of the Women’s Aid 2024 report, which found that 44% of women who sought Garda support in such cases found the response unhelpful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36520/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 57 together.

Tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence through sustained investment, robust policy measures and cross sectoral collaboration is a priority for me and for Government.

I want to acknowledge the powerful and important contribution of Women's Aid and their 2024 impact report.

The report is a difficult but essential read, and it reflects the lived experiences of thousands of women. It also provides valuable insight into how An Garda Síochána are responding, and where further progress is needed.

The Garda Commissioner and I are committed to ensuring that victims are met with a response that is informed, compassionate and effective.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that dedicated training in DSGBV, is a core component of the their initial education for Garda Recruits in Templemore. In phase one of training, as part of the BA in Applied Policing, trainee Gardaí complete 34 hours of instruction on domestic and sexual crime investigation with dedicated classes on domestic abuse investigation in phases two and three.

Trainees receive:

• an online presentation on the basics of domestic violence investigation where the importance of positive first contact with victims is highlighted.
• an in-person workshop on the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and An Garda Síochána policy on domestic abuse intervention.

• Utilise the Garda Decision Making Model and apply it to a scenario based on a domestic abuse incident. Offences such as assault, harassment and stalking are covered.
• Complete an in-person instructor-led workshop on the importance of the Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool in assessing the safety risks for the victim.
• Complete a class which recaps on the learning around domestic abuse, and receive online presentations in coercive control, post-incident engagement and file preparation.

• Domestic Abuse Online Training which is delivered over 9 Modules (4 hours). Currently 88% have completed this training.
• PULSE – Domestic Violence Orders – 4 Modules (1 hour). Currently there is an 82% national completion rate.
• Domestic Abuse Risk Evaluation Tool has a 70% national completion rate of required personnel.