Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
122. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all members of An Garda Síochána will receive diversity training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13125/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
The Garda Commissioner's Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021 commits An Garda Síochána to ensuring that every individual and community that the organisation comes into contact with will be treated equally, fairly and with dignity. An Garda Síochána's Policing Plan 2017 commits An Garda Síochána to building trusting relationships with local communities, in particular with minority and diverse groups, through the implementation of a new Garda Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
I have requested the specific information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner in relation to diversity training and I will write to her upon receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your Parliamentary Question No. 122 for answer on Tuesday, 21 March 2017, the text of which was as follows:-
"To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all members of An Garda Síochána will receive diversity training; and if she will make a statement on the matter."
At the time the then Minister responded that she would request the information sought by you from the Commissioner and she would write directly to you on receipt of the same.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that diversity training is embedded into all aspects of the Foundation Training Programme which is provided to all trainee Gardaí.
In particular diversity training is delivered as part of the Policing with Community Module on Phase one of the BA in Applied Policing completed by all new recruits to An Garda Síochána.
I am further informed that the Garda Bureau of Community Diversity and Integration (GBCDI) has national responsibility for liaison with ethnically diverse communities and one of its central roles is to liaise with representatives of minority groups, and reassure them of the Garda services that are available.
Since 2002 Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELO) have been appointed to each Garda Division. The role of the Ethnic Liaison Office is to liaise and establish communication links with representatives of the various minority communities within their respective divisions. The Ethnic Liaison Officers also inform and assure these communities of the Garda services available to all communities, within the community. The list of Ethnic Liaison officers is available on the Garda website at www.garda.ie.
I hope this information is of assistance.
