The Deputy may have in mind the Central Statistics Office, CSO, figures for 2010 which recorded a substantial increase. However, the CSO has cautioned that care should be taken in the interpretation of these statistics as the increase in that year was largely due to a review of all cases involving sexual offences reported to the Garda. The CSO indicates that the number of sexual offences recorded fell by 13.5% during 2011. The review of cases was undertaken in the context of the introduction of the Garda Síochána policy on the investigation of sexual crime, crimes against children and child welfare, which was introduced in April 2010.
While the management of investigations and police resources is a matter for the Garda authorities, I can inform the Deputy that the aim of this comprehensive policy is to combine professionalism with sensitivity and compassion in the investigation of sexual crimes. The policy results from a review of Garda work practices and methodologies for the investigation of sexual abuse cases and sets out detailed standards, procedures and practices to be followed in all such cases. I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of initial training all members of An Garda Síochána receive sufficient training to prepare them for the investigation of complaints of sexual violence, with appropriate training in interview techniques being provided to all members. In addition, a sexual crime management unit has been established, which assists gardaí in the investigation of such crime, promotes best investigative practice and monitors a sample of investigations to ensure they are receiving appropriate attention.
In the specific context of crimes against children the Garda Commissioner has established a strategic committee within An Garda Síochána, chaired by the assistant commissioner in charge of national support services, to liaise with the Health Service Executive, HSE's, national director of children and family services. Furthermore, a countrywide network of interview suites has been put in place for use when interviewing children under 14 years of age against whom a sexual and-or violent offence is alleged to have been committed. The interview process is a joint Garda-HSE one. Gardaí and social workers have undergone joint training, organised by the Garda authorities, in the specialised interviewing skills necessary for interviewing such victims and there is an ongoing close working relationship between the Garda authorities and the HSE on child protection matters.