Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022
118. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the details of LGBT+ awareness training curriculum and materials provided to staff of the Irish Prison Service; the regularity with which such training is delivered; and the number of staff that have undergone this training with specific reference to the prison service policy and training in interacting with transgender prisoners. [5233/22]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that LGBT+ awareness training is provided to Recruit Prison Officers and also forms part of the continuous professional development of staff.
Training is provided by the Prison Service College, by way of awareness-raising from a holistic equality, diversity and inclusion perspective.
The table below provides details of the training to Recruit Prison Officers.
Since recruitment in the Irish Prison Service recommenced in 2017, approximately 700 recruit prison officers have received this training, including 144 in 2021.
|
Module Title |
Duration |
Learning Outcomes |
|
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Prisons |
3 hours |
Fulfil their responsibilities outlined in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and treatment and protect human rights. |
|
Impact of Psychological Trauma on specific people in custody |
1 hour |
Demonstrate awareness of the impact of trauma on and work more effectively with: - Females in custody - LGBTQI community members in custody - Members of the Irish Traveller and Roma Communities - People in custody who at times use violence to get what they need - People in custody who have committed sexual offences - Younger people in custody (18-25) |
|
Human Rights in the Custodial Environment |
3 hours |
Respect and Promote the Human Rights of those in their care |
As a result of COVID-19 practically all training was suspended with the exception of Recruit Prison Officer training. As the situation improves it is anticipated that this training will recommence as part of the continual professional development programme. The Irish Prison Service has also procured a learning management system which it is envisaged will provide another training avenue to staff in relation to new policies, code of ethics and equality, diversity and inclusion responsibilities through e-learning.
In addition, during early 2021 the Irish Prison Service College worked with the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) to explore the challenges faced by transgender prisoners while in custody and how the organisation can address these challenges.
In April 2021 information on appropriate language when interacting with transgender persons was made available to all staff on the Prison Service intranet portal PRISM. The material was highlighted as a feature on a number of occasions during 2021, including during LGBTIQ+ Pride Month in June 2021. This and other material relevant to the LGBTIQ+ community, staff and prisoners, will be made available during 2022.
The Irish Prison Service is drafting a transgender polity which will recognise and address the emerging needs of prisoners in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity and the distinct and intersectional grounds of gender expression and sex characteristics. The Service is also committed to designing and delivering more bespoke training on these matters in the coming months.
