Written answers

Wednesday, 5 October 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Racial Incidents

9:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 291: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is the practice of the Garda Síochána to make a record of all telephone calls and verbal reports relating to incidents of racist behaviour including harassment and assaults, where the person conveying the information does not explicitly state that they wish to file a complaint. [27075/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, since October 2002, in view of the importance of recording and monitoring racist incidents, a mechanism was put in place to record and gather information on racist incidents throughout the state by means of the PULSE computer system.

The definition of a racially motivated crime has been agreed and circulated throughout the Garda Síochána. A racial incident is defined as any incident that is perceived to be racially motivated by the victim, a member of the Garda Síochána, a person who was present and who witnessed the incident or a person acting on behalf of the victim.

Furthermore, the Garda racial and intercultural office, which was established in 2001, co-ordinates, monitors and advises on all aspects of policing in the area of ethnic and cultural diversity. Personnel in that office monitor all incidents to ensure that the PULSE system is accurately recording all such offences. Where such incidents occur, the Garda Síochána ensure that an investigation is pursued with reference mainly to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989, these being the main relevant legislative instruments pertaining to crime of this type.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.