Jonathan O'Brien
Question:111. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of her plans to introduce specialist Garda units to investigate sexual and domestic crimes. [31640/16]
View answerTuesday, 25 October 2016
Questions (111)
Written answers
This is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána. However, I understand that following on from the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigation, An Garda Síochána have introduced a new domestic violence policy which was developed with input from the voluntary sector. An Garda Síochána have also established the National Garda Protective Services Bureau, led by a Chief Superintendent, with a new nationwide network of Garda Victim Liaison Service Offices with dedicated staff in each of the 28 Garda Divisions. I am informed that a number of specialist units to investigate sexual and domestic crimes will begin running on a pilot basis in quarter one 2017. Once these have been in operation for a sufficient time for lessons to be learned, work will commence on rolling out a nationwide network.