Joe O'Brien
Ceist:
801. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice if a training programme exists or has been introduced for gardaí and Garda staff to build their competency and skills to engage effectively and positively with persons from diverse backgrounds and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21368/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have requested a report on the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, unfortunately the report was not to hand in time. I will write to the Deputy on receipt of the report.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question number 801 of 28 April 2020 where you requested information on whether a training programme exists or has been introduced for Gardaí and Garda staff to build their competency and skills to engage effectively and positively with persons from diverse backgrounds.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the requested information was available.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of the Garda Síochána Diversity and Integration Strategy Statement 2019-2021, there is a strong emphasis on human rights as a foundation for providing policing services. In line with Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014, the Garda Commissioner has committed to building the organisation's human rights capacity and progressing its internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives.
An Garda Síochána will be rolling out a comprehensive hate crime and diversity training programme across the organisation during 2021. The training will cover Hate Crime and Diversity Awareness and has contributions from a number of minority communities as well as NGO’s. The training will be delivered to both Garda members and Garda Staff. This will build upon the diversity training embedded into all aspects of the BA in Applied Policing, which is undertaken by all trainee/probationer Gardaí.
This training will support and deliver a professional and human rights based policing service to diverse communities in a non-discriminatory and professional manner and is a key target of the Garda Diversity and Integration Strategy 2019-2021.
The strategy coincides with the introduction by An Garda Síochána of a ‘working definition of hate crime’ to ensure that its Policing Plan commitment of delivering a victim-centred policing service, focussed on keeping people safe, protecting the most vulnerable and providing a consistently high standard of service is met.
You may further wish to note that there are currently 281 Garda Diversity Officers located across the country to help and support victims and members carrying out investigations into hate crime. Members of the Garda National Diversity Unit are also available to assist and support all members on the frontline.
I trust this information is of assistance.
