Willie Penrose
Question:83 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures, if any, he intends to take to deal with the growing incidence of domestic violence. [17092/97]
Written Answers. - Domestic Violence.
The Government has decided to establish a national steering committee on violence against women which will be chaired by me. All of the Government Departments which have a role to play in this most vital area together with the Garda and voluntary groups will be represented. The decision to establish the national steering committee is in accordance with one of the central recommendations of the recent report of the Task Force on Violence against Women. It is a signal of the Government's resolve and determination to confront the issue.
For their part, the Garda authorities have established the domestic violence and sexual assault investigation unit — based at Harcourt Square, Dublin — to deal more effectively with domestic violence. The unit is staffed by gardaí who are trained and experienced in dealing with domestic violence and sexual assaults. Other measures taken include the issue of a pro-arrest policy document on the procedures to be followed by the gardaí in incidents of domestic violence. They also include the designation of an Inspector in each Garda Division outside of the Dublin metropolitan area to have overall responsibility for domestic violence issues to ensure a uniform and consistent approach in each division and throughout the country.