Speaking on Tuesday, the 24 November 2020, a Garda spokesperson said:
"An Garda Síochána welcomes the CSO’s data showing an increase in detections for sexual offences for 2018, while recognising that further work in this area is required.
"It not easy to make direct comparisons in this area with other jurisdictions, but our detection rates for sexual offences are broadly in line with international norms.
"As part of our work to further improve the detection rate, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) is currently carrying out a review of detection rates for specific sexual offences.
"In addition, An Garda Síochána has recently completed the establishment of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) in every Garda Division. The establishment of DPSUs is a significant advance in enhancing the investigative capability of An Garda Síochána in relation to sexual crimes and has been subject of positive remarks from the Office of the DPP with regard to the quality and professionalism of the investigations undertaken.
"An Garda Síochána is also progressing the roll-out of its Investigation Management System, which will make it easier for investigation teams to manage and collate information relating to individual investigations.
"An Garda Síochána absolutely recognises the importance of an outcome to a victim and confirms that, just because no proceedings commence, this does not mean that the crime did not occur or that the victim was not believed. On the contrary there are many occasions where An Garda Síochána is satisfied that the culprit of the particular crime has been identified.
"We strongly encourage victims of all crime, especially sexual and domestic crime, to report such matters to An Garda Síochána.
