Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2017
52. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the continuing professional development training available to members of An Garda Síochána in dealing with domestic violence. [21157/17]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Second National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021 envisages a range of actions to be implemented by State, voluntary and community sector organisations aimed at preventing and responding to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. An Garda Síochána is committed to supporting this strategy, and in 2015 a number of Garda units were brought together to leverage their experience and expertise in investigating serious crimes against the person, including sexual offences, to form the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB).
The GNPSB is a specialist team dedicated to making sure each and every complaint relating to child protection, human trafficking and domestic and sexual violence is thoroughly investigated and handled correctly. In addition, the GNPSB is responsible for working with other agencies to manage sex offenders in the interest of community safety. I am informed by the Commissioner that as of 31 March 2017, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 38 Garda members and 8 civilians assigned to the GNPSB.
As part of the Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 Protective Services Units (PSUs) are to be established in every Garda Division with specially trained staff. These PSUs will ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime, which will be supported by the national Bureau. The PSUs will work with the Garda Victim Service Offices in their area to ensure that the needs of victims are adequately catered for.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to him on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 52 for answer on Thursday, 4 May 2017, the text of which was as follows:-
"To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the continuing professional development training available to members of An Garda Síochána in dealing with domestic violence."
At the time the then Minister responded that she would request the information sought by you from the Garda Commissioner and she would write directly to you on receipt of the same.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that all Garda personnel received training in the investigation of incidents of domestic abuse, in all its forms. Additional and more specific training is in development by the Director of Training, in conjunction with the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, for personnel selected for duty with the pilot Divisional Protective Services Units.
Furthermore, An Garda Síochána has recently issued a revised policy for intervention in domestic abuse incidents, which is a ‘live’ document, and outlines processes and procedures to be undertaken by Garda personnel when investigating such incidents. The policy will be subject of review and amendment, arising from new or amending legislation.
I am further informed by the Commissioner that under the Modernisation and Renewal Programme for An Garda Síochána, 2016-2021 Divisional units of Garda National Protective Services Bureau are being rolled-out in two phases, supported by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, to ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime. Phase One has recently been completed, with Divisional Protective Services Units established in three Divisions, in the DMR West (Blanchardstown), Cork City, and Louth Division. Induction training has been provided for the personnel selected for these Units, with a briefing being provided to all relevant State Agencies and NGOs.
An Garda Síochána has also adopted Children First: National Guidance for the Protection & Welfare of Children (2011), which also provides further guidance on procedures in relation to domestic abuse where children are involved.
I hope this information is of assistance.
