Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
92. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current policy for gardaí when called to domestic incidents by a family member whereby the incident involves a child or young adult with mental health and behavioural issues such as adult ADHD and high anxiety; and the specific training gardaí receive for dealing with such incidents. [6726/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no direct role in the matters raised by the Deputy which fall under the remit of the Garda Commissioner. I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 92 for answer on 14 February 2017, in which you requested my views on the current policy for Gardaí when called to domestic incidents by a family member whereby the incident involves a child or young adult with mental health and behavioural issues such as adult ADHD and high anxiety; and the specific training Gardaí receive in relation to dealing with such incidents.
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available, and I undertook to contact you again.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that the policy of An Garda Síochána on Domestic Violence Intervention 2007 is available on the Garda website (www.garda.ie) and includes guidance for Garda personnel called to an incident of domestic abuse in circumstances involving persons with disabilities. The Policy also provides guidance in circumstances where a child may be a victim of domestic abuse, instructing that, in accordance with the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, a notification is sent to Tusla - the Child and Family Agency (formerly the HSE, Children & Families Services).
The Children First Act 2015 was enacted on 19 November 2015 and while, to date, not all Parts of the Act have been commenced, new National Guidance is also being prepared, taking into account the amendments being introduced resulting from this legislation.
When domestic abuse is recorded as having occurred, and which has resulted in a referral from An Garda Síochána to Tusla where a child or young person appears to have mental health or other educational issues, Tusla - the Child and Family Agency - is best placed to work with and ensure that appropriate services are provided to that child and their family.
In 2012, the Independent Monitoring Group, in its Sixth Annual Report on the Implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’, states in respect of Recommendation 15.1.9, a senior Garda should be identified and trained in each Garda division to act as resource and liaison mental health officer.
In this regard, a member of Inspector rank is to be appointed to fulfil this role. Following recent promotions to the rank of Inspector and consequential appointments and transfers, arrangements are being put in place to ensure that each Garda Division has made the relevant appointment, and that arrangements are in place for appropriate training to be provided to such nominated personnel.
As outlined in the Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 for An Garda Síochána, Divisional Protective Service Units are to be established in every Garda Division to ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime, which will be supported by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
Divisional Protective Service Units are being rolled-out in two phases, with the establishment ofan initial three Units over a 12-month period. These Divisions are identified as the Dublin Metropolitan Region West; Cork City and the Louth Division. This pilot phase will see the implementation of this initiative on a smaller scale which will inform the bigger roll-out to each Garda Division by assessing and evaluating the pilot areas, by geographical size and population profile. This initiative is being managed by the Detective Chief Superintendent, Garda National Protective Services Bureau with each Divisional Officer in conjunction with the Strategic Transformation Office of An Garda Síochána.
Taking into account, inter alia, developments in legislation; Cosc National Strategies on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence; the Istanbul Convention and the EU Victims Directive (as well as amendments to other procedures and practices which have been implemented in the intervening period) a review has recently been completed of the policy on domestic abuse intervention which is currently under consideration. Following approval of same, a public-facing document will be prepared to be uploaded onto the Garda website to replace the 2007 Policy document.
I hope this information is of assistance.
