Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
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433. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to make the court process for attaining a protection order more trauma informed and victim centred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40300/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that a range of supports are available for people experiencing domestic abuse, who need protection and other orders, including from An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other specialised domestic violence services many of which are funded by Cuan, the DSGBV Agency established under the remit of my Department.

The Legal Aid Board is the statutory, independent body responsible for the provision of civil legal aid and advice to persons of modest means, in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995. A range of civil legal issues are covered by the scheme, including domestic violence applications, which are prioritised by the Board.

In June 2022, my predecessor established an independent Civil Legal Aid Review Group to review the current operation of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme and make recommendations for its future. The Review Group, chaired by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke, has recently reported to me. My Department is currently examining the outputs of that Review.

The Courts Service is also progressing an ambitious 10-year Modernisation Programme to deliver digitally enabled services designed around the user. Last month, as part of this programme, new district court forms, including those for domestic violence, were introduced. These have received very positive feedback from staff, legal practitioners, NGOs/advocacy groups and members of the public. Additionally, the roll-out of a new appointment booking service allows court users to attend a court office at a time that suits them, reducing waiting times. Furthermore, as part of the Modernisation Programme, the Courts Service is also developing and commencing roll-out of trauma-informed practice training tailored to the needs of the organisation and its users, for Courts Service staff.

The establishment of Divisional Protective Services Units within An Garda Síochána means that victims who report domestic abuse to the Gardaí are met with specially trained officers who respond sensitively and have an understanding of DSGBV at the earliest stages of their journey. This is an essential element in creating a safer, more supportive pathway for navigating the legal process that follows.

Under Budget 2025, €3,574,000 was allocated to promote and assist the development of support services to victims of crime. This enables the provision of services supporting victims at different stages of the criminal justice system, which further supports them to access the legal protection they need.

A central element of delivering on Zero Tolerance the Third National Strategy on DSGBV was the establishment of Cuan, the statutory DSGBV agency, in January 2024.

Last month, I launched the final implementation plan (2025-2026), for this strategy. It prioritises initiatives that place the victim’s safety, dignity, and emotional wellbeing at the centre of the process. Cross-sectoral training initiatives for front-line professionals to improve how survivors are engaged and supported throughout their journey in the justice system is a key aspect.

Together, these measures aim to provide victims with relevant, specialist supports and access to justice.