James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important question. The Irish Travellers' Access to Justice report, published by the University of Limerick in June, is a welcome and valuable contribution to research and evidence in this important area. It is clear that there is a lot more work to be done, building on the significant work under way across the justice sector to engage more effectively and equitably with Irish Travellers in line with our values and statutory public sector duty, in addition to the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy.

In particular, An Garda Síochána is committed to providing a human-rights-focused policing service that protects the rights of all people with whom it comes into contact. This is at the heart of the Garda code of ethics and the Garda decision-making model and has frequently been referred to by the Garda Commissioner, who has put a strong organisational focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. The Garda is seeking to embed the principle that human rights are the foundation and the purpose of policing in Ireland and has demonstrated this in recent years through the work of the Garda National Diversity & Integration Unit, GNDIU, and the publication of an equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and action plan. An Garda Síochána ran a diversity internship programme over the past nine months aimed at highlighting pathways to employment in the organisation for minority communities, including Travellers. The second phase of this very successful programme was recently advertised by the Public Appointments Service.

It is vital to upholding trust in policing that police powers are exercised in a consistent and unbiased way and that marginalised individuals and groups are not disproportionately impacted. The forthcoming Garda Síochána (powers) Bill will address the recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland that, for the purposes of clarity and transparency, police powers of search, arrest and detention should be codified and supported by statutory codes of practice. This is supported by relevant training to ensure members have the personal and professional expertise and cultural awareness to police Ireland's diverse communities in a proactive and appropriately inclusive way. An important role is played by the Judicial Council in ensuring public trust and confidence in the Judiciary.

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