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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1998

Vol. 492 No. 7

Written Answers. - Racism in Garda Síochána.

John Gormley

Question:

319 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the concerns, if any, he has or which were expressed to him from within the force on the prevalence of racism in the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15250/98]

I am not aware of any evidence to support a view that racism is prevalent within the Garda Síochána. The Garda authorities are committed to ensuring that members of the Garda Síochána receive training in race relations in view of the changing nature of Irish society. 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. A representative from 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 and deals with policing and 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.
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