Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 6 September 2019
552. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a protective services unit has been established in the Dublin metropolitan region north and north central divisions respectively; and if so, if both divisions are fully staffed and operational. [34862/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, the management and efficient use of Garda resources is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. This includes responsibility for deployment of personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I understand, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure their optimum use.
I have been informed by the Commissioner that to date, Divisional Protective Services Units have been established in DMR South Central, Waterford, Kerry, Kilkenny, Carlow, Limerick and Galway Garda Divisions. These are in addition to the units previously established in DMR West, Cork City and Louth Divisions in the initial phase of this initiative.
I am informed by Garda management that it is expected that Divisional Protective Services Units should be rolled-out to the remaining Garda Divisions, including the Dublin Metropolitan Region North and North Central Divisions, on a phased basis by the end of 2019. This expected timetable is in accordance with the target set out in 'A Policing Service for the Future', the implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission for the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Finally and in terms of the current arrangements in the Divisions referred to, the Deputy may be interested to hear that Garda management has informed me that both DMR North and DMR North Central have Child Protection Units and further that DMR North has a Domestic Abuse Intervention Unit.
