Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019
179. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Finance the training for custom officials that deals specifically with racial profiling; if training is provided as to the way in which to deal with and treat foreign nationals with respect; and the way in which persons who have negative experiences based on racial profiling or inappropriate comments can make a complaint or seek redress. [54369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that all Revenue staff receive comprehensive induction training upon joining Revenue. This covers the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, Revenue’s Code of Ethics and Revenue’s Customer Service Charter, which includes a commitment to courtesy and consideration.
Revenue’s customs training programme includes a module in relation to human rights and equality. I am advised by Revenue that this training was developed in consultation with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. The training includes understanding human rights, UN treaties, the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the European Convention on Human Rights, the concept of equality, the Equal Status Acts 2000-2015, discrimination, stereotyping, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and unconscious bias.
Trainees use role-related scenarios to evaluate possible risk situations when discrimination could occur, and learn to address these risks. An equality and rights-based approach is taken. Training focusses on respect for the dignity of the person in each interaction with Revenue and the obligations of all staff members to treat every person with dignity and respect.
Revenue does not profile on the basis of race or nationality.
Under Revenue’s Customer Service Charter, there are comprehensive complaints and appeal procedures open to all customers of Revenue. Full details of how to complain to Revenue are available on Revenue’s website at Complaints, Review and appeal.
