Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2022
134. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice her plans to develop and or introduce gender focused sexual education in the training phase for new Garda recruits and trainee prison officers. [3734/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides that the Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of the Garda Síochána, including arranging for training of its members and staff. I have no direct role in the matter.
I have, however, discussed this matter recently with the Commissioner and I know he is committed to members of An Garda Síochána upholding the highest standards of personal behaviour in this area. I understand that the Garda Foundation Training Programme, which leads to the BA Applied Policing Programme, and is undertaken by all Garda Trainees and Probationer Gardaí, has comprehensive content and training regarding professional behaviours and sexual crimes. This training is under continuous review and development in order to remain current and relevant to policing and societal needs.
The training addresses sexual crimes and victims of sexual crimes, of all gender types. This education is threaded through the 'Policing with Communities' modules within the Programme, and captures how Gardaí deal with domestic violence, sexual abuse and other sexual and violent offences.
The objective of the 'Policing with Communities' module is to equip the students with the personal and professional expertise, to proactively police a modern and diverse society, and while being responsive to the needs of its vulnerable members.
In addition, the Children First Act 2015 and Children First National Guidance for Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, is delivered to Garda Trainees within the Foundation Training Programme. It examines the responsibilities of members of An Garda Síochána in the area of Child Abuse Investigations, as well as the legislation and offences pertaining to all sexual crimes and domestic violence.
The BA Applied Policing Programme also covers two on-line presentations on Hate Crime and Diversity, creating awareness in these important areas, with diversity training examining, recognising, acknowledging and respecting differences. These differences includes issues such as gender, marital status, family status, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, race and membership of minority ethnic groups.
The Foundation Training Team is currently examining the introduction of the topic of "active consent" into the module and this will be developed and integrated in 2022. Garda College instructors have undergone specific training in this area and are currently developing content for blended learning in this area.
Separately, I am informed by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the Irish Prison Service College tutors work closely with psychologists from the Irish Prison Service Psychology Service in designing, delivering and reviewing training in relation to gender focused sexual education in order to achieve the Irish Prison Service strategic objectives and to demonstrate best practice in accordance with international human rights treaty obligations and recommendations.
Currently, Recruit Prison Officers receive training on the impact of gender based violence on female prisoners as part of a trauma informed approach to prisoner care. With the ending of COVID restrictions, it is intended to extend this training to audiences at middle and senior manager level.
The Irish Prison Service is committed to incorporating ongoing developments in gender focused sexual education into all related training modules in order to ensure that it is culturally relevant and sensitive, psychologically informed and that it addresses gender identity, sexual behaviours, communication skills, empathy, mutual respect and diversity, both in relation to staff and prisoners.
It will also interest the Deputy to know that I am leading work on a new whole of government domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence strategy. The new plan will be the most ambitious to date and will be structured around the four pillars of Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Co-ordinated Policies. It will set an overall goal of zero tolerance in Irish society for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Under the Prevention pillar there will be a number of actions relating to training and awareness raising, both for specific sectors and for society in general.
I can also inform the Deputy that An Garda Síochána Inspectorate has committed to carrying out a self-initiative inspection into the effectiveness and efficiency of the Garda Síochána’s response to domestic abuse. Following completion of this inspection and publication of the report, full consideration will be given to the findings and relevant actions arising will be progressed in the context of the new National Strategy.
Under Supporting A Victims Journey we have also commissioned a mapping exercise to identify any training needs not currently met. On foot of the outcome of this we will look at how best any gaps identified might be addressed. Action in that regard will be led by my Department.
