Vol. 504 No. 2
80 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action, if any, he proposes to take to address the well documented problem of prejudice based violence against lesbians and gay men and the fact that many gay men and lesbians are reluctant to report these crimes to the gardaí due to a fear of possible negative reactions and consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11560/99]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that liaison between the gardaí and the Gay and Lesbian Society has been ongoing for the past number of years, and that many problems have been resolved through this liaison.
For example, to capture accurately details of all homophobic attacks, provision has been made for such incidents to be recorded on the technology system being developed for the gardaí, which is about to be introduced in the near future. This will give the Garda Síochána more accurate and up to date information on the extent of the problem on a national basis.
A training package for Garda personnel is to be prepared by the social studies section of the Garda College after consultation with the Gay and Lesbian Society, who will contribute to the format and content of such training material.
The Garda Síochána and the Gay and Lesbian Society will work jointly in the preparation and dissemination of information leaflets on the issue of homophobic attacks. These will state the determination of the Garda Síochána to act quickly and professionally to prevent such attacks, and to prosecute offenders.
