Question:
158 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to provide training to members of the Garda in race relations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/98]
Written Answers. - Garda Training.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that all student and probationer gardaí receive instruction in the area of race relations as part of their two year education and training programme.
Specifically, the social studies element of the programme deals with discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping. It includes a seminar on ethnicity, traveller culture and discrimination against the travelling community. Pavee Point makes a presentation at this seminar. The social studies course also covers instruction in human rights conferred by the Constitution and European Convention on Human Rights.
The legal studies element of the training and education programme provides instruction in the relevant provisions of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989.