Written answers

Tuesday, 25 April 2006

Department of Health and Children

Domestic Violence

9:00 pm

Photo of Pádraic McCormackPádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation for the provision of facilities for men suffering from domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14836/06]

Photo of Seán PowerSeán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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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 1 of the Garda Síochána training programme and a further two hours under phase 3.

The 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; 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.

Domestic violence training is also provided by the social studies section under phase 1 and phase 3, following which student gardaí are fully briefed on all aspects of the law on 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 3 training, Women's Aid attend the Garda College and spend 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 which enhances the students' abilities to deal with domestic violence, both lawfully and professionally.

Student gardaí can expect to receive a minimum of eight to ten hours training on all aspects of domestic violence. I am advised by Garda management that the issue of further training in the area for general members is being researched for inclusion in the continuous professional development core programme for 2007.

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