Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
423. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Justice the number of cases Cavan-Monaghan that the divisional protection services unit has dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47242/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that both Commissioner Harris and I are committed to combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence and to ensuring that An Garda Síochána is resourced to provide support to victims of this terrible crime.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, the national roll out of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) was an action under Supporting a Victim's Journey, and it has now been completed.
There is now a DPSU established in every Garda division across the country. This ensures that vulnerable victims of crimes, such as domestic abuse and sexual violence, presenting to Gardaí are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance. This specialisation ensures that when victims of domestic and sexual violence present to Gardaí, at perhaps their most vulnerable moment, they are met with professional and expert assistance.
I would like to assure the Deputy that while officers attached to DPSUs receive a range of specialist training, all Gardaí are trained as first responders so they are equipped to deal with victims, including of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
On foot of the Deputy's question, I contacted An Garda Síochána to seek the specific information requested concerning the number of cases that Cavan-Monaghan Protective Services Unit have dealt with in 2021 and to date in 2022. That information is presented in the table below:
|
2021 |
194 |
|
2022 (as of Friday, 23rd September, 2022 ) |
130 |
