Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
320 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives, programmes and training which have been undertaken in 2003 and 2004 addressing issues of equality within the Garda Síochána; and the plans for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26725/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities that training in relation to issues of equality within the Garda Síochána and in policing a multicultural society is provided as part of Garda student/probationer training.
Training was provided in Garda policy, practices and procedures on equality, grievances, sexual harassment and bullying.
All training and development programmes provided for supervisors and managers in 2003-04 contain inputs in relation to Garda policy on equality, bullying and harassment in the workplace. All inputs into the Garda training and development courses for Garda supervisors and managers are gender proofed. The continuance of this training is planned for 2005.
The gardaí continue to have a policy on promoting equality and countering bullying, harassment and sexual harassment, and have in place a grievance procedure which aims to promote an organisational environment which encourages and supports the right to dignity at work.
321 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives, programmes and training which have been undertaken in 2003, 2004 addressing issues of equality within the Garda Síochána in relation to policing in a multicultural society; the numbers by rank who have participated in such developments; the measures planned for 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26726/04]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda authorities that training in relation to issues of equality within the Garda Síochána and in policing a multicultural society was provided to the following number of gardaí as part of their student/probationer training.
|
Year |
Number |
|
2003 |
536 |
|
2004 |
482 |
The following is an outline of the programme.
Contextual Policing — Community Policing
Training relating to the partnerships formed with the following: Traveller community, gay and lesbian community and ethnic communities; training on beliefs, values and characteristics of the communities, cultures and religions most commonly encountered in Ireland today; and training on Garda practices and procedures on human rights standards.
Social Studies
Lectures on pluralism, racism and ethnicity; lectures on psychology of attitude, prejudice and discrimination; lectures on treating people with dignity, respect and equality; social placements — two weeks working with a variety of community and State bodies; training inputs from external groups including Pavee Point, refugee centre rape crisis and victim support. The course is continuously under review and elements are included to cater for changes in society.
In 2003-04, training was provided for the following Garda personnel who are part of the Garda ethnic liaison network:
|
Rank |
Number |
|
Sergeant |
10 |
|
Gardaí |
135 |
The personnel trained have received training on human rights and intercultural issues. In 2003-04, 52 gardaí and eight sergeants from the Garda national immigration bureau were trained in human rights and intercultural issues.
One hundred Garda trainers have received training in human rights and multicultural issues. In 2004, Garda officers at Commissioner rank were briefed on the implications of human rights in police management.
In 2003-04, the following numbers of Garda personnel received instruction on human rights and multicultural issues as part of training as public order commanders.
|
Rank |
Number |
|
Chief Superintendent |
2 |
|
Superintendent |
17 |
|
Inspector |
28 |
In 2003-04, the following numbers of Garda personnel received instruction on human rights and multicultural issues as part of training as public order instructors.
|
Rank |
Number |
|
Sergeant |
31 |
|
Gardaí |
4 |
In 2003-04, 1,117 personnel of sergeant and garda rank received instruction on human rights and multicultural issues as part of public order training.
All participants in management and supervisory training and development programmes in 2003 and 2004 received an input from the Garda intercultural office in relation to policing in a multicultural society.
In 2005, the following training is planned: anti-racism training for all Garda training staff; human rights and police management seminars for all Garda officers; and the continuation of multicultural policing modules for all courses at all levels.
