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Domestic Violence

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2019

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

Questions (266)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

266. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality when the development of a domestic violence risk assessment matrix by An Garda Síochána will be completed and operational across all divisions. [49824/19]

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Written answers

Under the second National Strategy on Domestic Violence, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2016-2021, An Garda Síochána are responsible for the development and implementation of a Risk Assessment Matrix for all victims of domestic violence and sexual crime.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that good progress is being made on this action. Trinity College Dublin has conducted an academic review of the risk assessment tool and the An Garda Síochána pilot tool which was completed in Q1 2019. A process review was then commenced which was completed at end of Q2 2019. I am informed that it is expected that implementation of a risk assessment tool will be completed as soon as possible. This will then be introduced on a phased basis, to commence in Divisions where Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) are located.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that to date, Divisional Protective Services Units have been established in 13 locations nationwide, namely Carlow, Cork City, DMR South Central, DMR West, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth and Waterford Garda Divisions as well as the newly established units in DMR East, DMR South and Tipperary which became operational in recent weeks. Rollout of these units will meet a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

I am informed by Garda management that the remaining Divisional Protective Services Units will be rolled-out on a phased basis by the end of Q1 2020.

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