New Garda units to investigate sexual abuse and domestic violence cases have been established in six parts of the country.
They are now operational in Dublin south central, Kerry, Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford and Limerick.
It brings to 10 the number of Divisional Protective Services Units in Ireland, with units already operational in Louth, Cork and other parts of Dublin.
Another 19 sections will be set up in the remaining Garda divisions throughout the year, with training for officers already underway.
The force says the units are being established to deliver a "consistent and professional approach" in investigations of specialised crime types including sexual crime, child abuse and domestic abuse.
Detective Chief Superintendent Declan Daly of the Garda National Protective Services explained: "The continued expansion of the DPSU project will ensure a consistent level of service by An Garda Síochána to the victims of sexual crime and domestic abuse.
"They are a welcome and valuable addition to Garda Divisions and will add to the service we provide."
Last week, new laws to protect victims of domestic violence came into effect.
They include the creation of the new offence of coercive control - referring to psychological abuse in an intimate relationship that causes "fear of violence, or serious alarm or distress that has a substantial adverse impact on a person’s day-to-day activities".
