Ciarán Cuffe
Question:246 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of the training given to members of the Garda Síochána on equality issues. [18558/02]
Written Answers. - Garda Training.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the training of Garda personnel, that all student gardaí undergoing the student Garda education-training programme receive extensive training in the following areas: Employment Equality Acts 1977 to 1998; Equal Status Act, 2000; Garda policy as an equal opportunities employer; human rights and human dignity; professional police ethics and standards of professional behaviour; national laws governing prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping, for example, the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act, 1989; sexual harassment and how to deal with incidents of sexual harassment including procedure for investigating allegations; and the role of equality officer.
I am further advised that as part of the training delivery strategy, Garda lecturers and facilitators are joined by personnel from Pavee Point Travellers Centre and Trinity College, Dublin. Students are required to study the principles, concepts and best practice underpinning protection of human rights and the management and delivery of policing in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society.
Due to the advancement of equality and employment legislation in the last number of years the following topics are delivered in promotion courses: employment law, negotiating skills, conflict management, grievance procedures, quality service, discipline, the Equal Status Act, 2000 and sexual harassment and bullying.
I am advised that the aim and objective of this module is to emphasise to participants the necess ity for impartiality. Discussion also takes place on the fair distribution of the workload and equal opportunities for all staff within the workplace.