Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 681: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if An Garda Síochána is adequately trained in dealing with the situation in respect of men suffering domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14836/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that legal lecture No. 12 relating to offences committed within the family is allocated three hours lecture time under phase one of the Garda Síochána training programme and a further two hours under phase three. This lecture covers all matters relevant to the Domestic Violence Act 1996, including barring, protection and safety orders, arrest powers, procedures to follow, advice to be given, bail issues, the Children Act 1908 and related matters and the Childcare Act 1991, including the duties of the health boards and courts in matters of child care. There is no differentiation made between male and female victims of domestic violence when presenting these lectures.

I am further informed that domestic violence training is also provided by the social studies section under phase one and phase three, following which student gardaí are fully briefed on all aspects of the law in respect of domestic violence. During experiential learning phases of training, student gardaí would also be exposed under the supervision of tutors to dealing with real cases of domestic violence.

Also under phase three training, Women's Aid attends the Garda College and spends four hours with each class of 24 students educating them on issues of domestic violence. Women's Aid deals with violence against both women and men. This learning is put into practice by way of role-play situations, which enhance the students' abilities to deal with domestic violence situations both lawfully and professionally. In total, student gardaí can expect to receive a minimum of eight to ten hours training on all aspects of domestic violence. Finally, I am advised by Garda management that the issue of further training in the area for general members is being researched for inclusion on the continuous professional development core programme for 2007.