Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This question relates to the training An Garda Síochána receives with regard to autism.

In reply to Deputy Conway-Walsh's previous question, I am happy to look at any case and recommendation the Commissioner makes to me. I understand that he advertised to see if people wanted to stay on and it was up to them to make an application. I do not have the figures here but I can provide them. Some people applied but I believe it was not as many as we thought. If the Commissioner recommends that it is necessary for somebody to stay on, I am happy to receive those recommendations.

I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue. As she will be aware, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the education and training of Garda members and staff. As Minister, I have no role in the matter.

However, I am assured by the Garda authorities that members of An Garda Síochána are acutely aware of the importance of respecting neurodiversity and the training they require to provide an appropriate service to autistic people.

In this regard, the Garda has been engaging with AsIAm, Ireland's national autism charity group, on this issue. This includes the development of a specific training programme on autism awareness, which is expected to be released on 1 July 2021, via the Garda learning management system, to all personnel. All Garda trainees complete the BA in applied policing programme. The programme's community-centred policing module aims to equip students with the personal and professional expertise to proactively police Ireland's diverse community. AsIAm has delivered a presentation to trainees as part of this module. I am informed that An Garda Síochána has also discussed the development of an e-learning modules for trainees with AsIAm.

I am further informed that under its human rights strategy for 2020 to 2022, An Garda Síochána will establish a network of human rights champions who will promote awareness of human rights issues throughout the organisation.

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