Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1991

Vol. 407 No. 8

Written Answers. - Garda Service In-Training.

Michael Ferris

Question:

30 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the fact that a victim of crime's first contact with the criminal justice system is through the gardaí, he has any proposals to include in the Garda Síochána training programme an adequate training which would be specifically designed to assist the gardaí in their handling of victims of crime and which would lead to a systematic and co-ordinated approach to dealing with victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that both the new training programme for trainee gardaí and relevant in-service training courses devote considerable time to relations with victims of crime. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for gardaí to be sympathetic and appreciative of the often traumatic experience of the crime victim and training is geared toward equipping gardaí with the communications and other skills they require to adopt such an approach. I might mention that the initial training course for trainee gardaí includes an input by the Irish Association for Victim Support. There is a close liaison between the force and the association and crime victims are referred to the Irish Association for Victim Support in appropriate cases.