Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
865. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of Garda family liaison officer courses held in DMR West division in the years of 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14200/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to recruitment and training. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
The Garda authorities have informed me that the location where training courses take place is dictated by numerous factors and not solely by where those receiving the training are based. As such, the number of Garda members from the DMR West Division who received Family Liaison Officer training can be provided. I am further informed that fewer than 10 members were trained in each of the years requested by the Deputy.
I am further advised by Garda authorities that it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to further report on numbers that are fewer than 10. In cases where the requested figures are fewer than ten, the personnel referenced may be identifiable to the general public, thus posing a potential risk to their safety. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána, along with fellow Government Departments and public bodies, is bound by existing Data Protection legislation; the release of figures of fewer than ten has the potential to compromise the protection and privacy of individuals employed by An Garda Síochána and moreover constitute a breach of this legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
