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An Garda Síochána

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Questions (729)

Alan Farrell

Question:

729. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the work that her Department has undertaken with An Garda Síochána to ensure that training now includes and is updated to be sensitive to the needs of minority communities within our society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34343/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.

An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a human-rights focused policing service that protects the rights of all people they come into contact with. This is at the heart of the Garda Code of Ethics and the Garda Decision Making Model, and has been spoken about repeatedly by the Garda Commissioner.

The Commissioner has put a welcome focus on equality, diversity and inclusion, as An Garda Síochána seeks to embed the principle that human rights are the foundation and the purpose of policing in Ireland.

An Garda Síochána have demonstrated this in recent years through the establishment of the Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit (GNDIU), and the publication of an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy Statement and Action Plan.

Both the Government and the Garda Commissioner are committed to increasing diversity within An Garda Síochána and ensuring that all communities can see themselves reflected in our police service. The increased numbers of members of minority communities who applied to be members of An Garda Síochána in the recent Garda recruitment campaign is very welcome in this regard.

All Garda trainees complete the BA in Applied Policing programme. The programme's Community Centred Policing module aims to equip the students with the personal and professional expertise to proactively police Ireland's diverse community. An Garda Síochána have also put in place an e-learning Human Rights module and are currently delivering online Hate Crime Training to the entire organisation.

As the Deputy may be aware, the work of the Garda Diversity Officers (GDOs) is central to An Garda Síochána's efforts to meet the needs of our diverse communities. GDOs formerly known as Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) are members of An Garda Síochána trained, developed and supported to actively engage with and attend to the concerns of our minority, diverse and hard to reach communities - providing reassurance, building trust and extending the accessibility of the Garda Service.

The renaming to Garda Diversity Officers reflects the wider remit of the role and our changing society. GDOs are supported by the GNDIU, who also provide training in relation to awareness, engagement and liaison with diverse and minority communities.  

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a review of GDOs was undertaken in 2020. This included a review of the numbers, role profile and the training needs of all GDOs. There are currently approximately 330 trained GDOs working in Garda Divisions nationwide and who work to assist every community they serve.

I also understand that a revised role profile has been developed and introduced to the organisation by way of HQ Directive and that the role of GDOs includes the following:

- Improve accessibility of the Garda Service to minority, diverse and hard to reach communities through the development of positive working relationships, carrying out engagements within these communities and providing appropriate supports.

- Promote An Garda Síochána’s recruitment campaigns within those community settings.

- Overcome communication barriers through active engagement, open dialogue and collaboration. 

- Encourage and facilitate the Reporting, Recording, Investigating and Prosecuting of Hate Crime.

- Support victims of Hate Crime by identifying their particular needs, providing reassurance and acting as liaison with necessary support services.

- Engage with the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit by sharing ideas, information and initiatives.

- Be responsive to emerging trends or existing needs within the community that require attention.

- Be informed of and display appropriate behaviours in matters requiring cultural or diversity sensitivity.

- Support the security and safety needs of particular minority communities and those of wider society, through engagement with appropriate internal reporting mechanisms. 

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