The final report of the Garda human rights audit was publicly launched in March 2005 and is available on the Garda website, www.garda.ie. I fully support the Commissioner in commissioning and publishing the Garda human rights audit which identifies certain shortcomings in respect of the force in an open and transparent manner. The audit focuses on: the need for An Garda Síochána to further underpin its good relations with the public by developing enhanced consultation contacts with it; increased progress in securing the rights of staff; human rights compliance at both corporate and operational levels; and deducing from the evidence available to it the presence of institutional racism in the organisation.
The Commissioner fully accepts and has committed to act upon the 15 recommendations contained in the report. An action plan has been devised to give effect to the recommendations. The five priority areas in the action plan are: developing and underpinning comprehensive human rights ethos and structure in An Garda Síochána; accountability framework for human rights policing; policing in a diverse community; staff engagement, training and development; and community engagement, involvement and partnership.
I am further informed that each of the recommendations will be introduced on a phased basis and will be in place by 31 December 2007. The assistant commissioner, human resource management, has been appointed in accordance with recommendation three of the action plan to monitor, oversee and ensure the implementation of all aspects of the report. Progress to date includes: establishment of a strategic human rights advisory committee to support the Commissioner and senior managers of An Garda Síochána; generic human rights training of all trainers; and training in human rights awareness, which has begun for all senior managers from Commissioner to chief superintendent rank.