Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:
562. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice if figures are available relating to concerns raised with An Garda Síochána in respect of sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, institutional abuse or neglect of residents living in nursing homes or disabilities centres which have been received since 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
It has not been possible to obtain the information requested by the Deputy in the timeframe permitted. One this information is received I will write to the Deputy.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 562 of 15 February 2022 asking if figures are available relating to concerns raised with An Garda Síochána in respect of sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, institutional abuse or neglect of residents living in nursing homes or disabilities centres which have been received since 2015, and the details on a yearly basis and by location in tabular form.
You will recall that at the time the information sought was requested from An Garda Síochána and I undertook to forward the information to you as soon as it was available. I’ve now been informed that An Garda Síochána cannot currently provide these figures but should be able to do so in the future.
AGS are currently working to review and quality assure data regarding Victim Offender Relationship (new recording introduced to PULSE in the second half of 2021) with a view to proactively publishing reporting during 2022.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána is represented on the National Safeguarding Advisory Committee by a Superintendent from the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau. Safeguarding Ireland was established to promote safeguarding of adults who may be vulnerable, protect them from all forms of abuse by persons, organisations and institutions and develop a national plan for promoting their welfare.
An Garda Síochána notes that institutional abuse or neglect of residents living in nursing homes or disabilities centres does occur nationally, and stress how essential it is that such incidents be reported to An Garda Síochána to ensure they can be fully investigated in the relevant districts.
I think it is important to acknowledge that the way our system has historically treated vulnerable victims of crime has, quite simply, not been good enough.
I am absolutely determined to change this.
One of my priorities as Minister for Justice is introducing the important reforms necessary to ensure our criminal justice system is more victim-centred.
This is not empty rhetoric. Supporting a Victim’s Journey is the ambitious plan I launched in 2020 to support and protect vulnerable victims who engage with our criminal justice system. I am committed to implementing it in full, and working to reform the justice system to ensure vulnerable victims are met with sensitivity, respect and professionalism on every step of their difficult and brave journey.
This is being achieved through actions such as:
- training for An Garda Síochana, legal professionals and the judiciary,
- additional legal advice and support for victims, and
- through decreasing the potential for re-traumatisation or re-victimisation by the system.
