Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
477. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí that have received specialist training to interview children as witnesses, victims or suspects in 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [58412/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. This includes the arrangement of training courses for Garda members. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I understand that Specialist Interviewing was established in An Garda Síochána is 2008. In accordance with Section 16(1) (b) Criminal Evidence Act 1992 as amended, Specialist Interviewers are trained to record interviews with complainants under 14 years, (or those with an intellectual Disability), for evidential purposes in cases involving sexual and / or violent offences.
There are purpose built interview suites in Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and Dublin. Specialist Interviewer Training is conducted by Core Staff at Crime Training Faculty at the Garda College. Participants undergo an intensive two (2) year training programme with the following aims:
- Ensure that newly selected personnel to the role of Specialist Interviewer are fully equipped to meet the requirements of the job
- Develop the competencies identified to interview in accordance with the Rules of Evidence in Criminal Law
- Develop a clear understanding and focus of the key relationships bespoken to the role
- Promote a consistent approach to the role, responsibilities and practices of the Specialist Interviewer
- Encourage the application, testing and refining of new behaviours applicable to the role of Specialist Interviewer
- Encourage in Specialist Interviewers a learning approach that embedded in the philosophy of continuous professional development.
The table below, furnished to me by the Garda authorities, details the number of Gardaí who received specialist training to interview children as witnesses, victims or suspects in 2020 and to date in 2021:
|
Year |
No. of Gardaí who received Specialist Interviewing Training |
|
2020 |
22 |
|
2021 to date |
24 |
The above represented Garda who received the relevant training over the past two years has built upon the 24 and 40 Gardaí trained in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
