Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
292. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Garda personnel attached to the serious sexual assault and domestic violence Garda unit in County Louth; the stations in which they are based; when this facility will be operational; and the services offered. [41978/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and Units and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. I am assured by the Garda Commissioner that the allocation of Gardaí is continually monitored and reviewed taking into account all relevant factors including crime trends, demographics, and security assessments relating to the area in question so as to ensure optimal use is made of Garda human resources.
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 March 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) led by a Chief Superintendent.
The GNPSB is a specialist team dedicated to making sure each and every complaint relating to child protection, human trafficking, 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.
As part of the Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 Protective Services Units (PSUs) are to be established in every Garda Division with specially trained staff on a phased basis. I am advised by the Commissioner that Phase 1 involved the establishment of Units in three Divisions - the Dublin Metropolitan Region West, Cork City, and the Louth Division - over a 12-month period on a pilot basis. These units mirror the responsibilities held by the GNPSB and ensure a consistent approach to domestic abuse and sexual crime. The PSUs work with the Garda Victim Service Offices in their area to ensure that the needs of victims are adequately catered for.
I am informed by the Commissioner that there is one Sergeant and five Gardaí assigned to the Louth Divisional PSU which is based in Castlebellingham Garda Station. I am further informed that it is expected that additional resources will be allocated to this unit shortly.
