Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 390: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda force will be trained adequately in dealing with incidents arising from domestic violence against men; and the body that provides care for the men and their interests. [2203/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by Garda management that members of An Garda Síochána are trained to the highest standard in dealing with incidents of domestic violence, irrespective of the gender of the victim. In relation to the training provided to Gardaí in the area of domestic violence, the position is that lectures relating to 'Offences Committed within the Family' are given at Phase 1, 3 and 5 of training at the Garda College. The lectures cover all matters relevant to: The Domestic Violence Act 1996, as amended, including Barring/Protection/Safety Orders; Arrest powers, procedures to follow, advice to be given; Bail issues, Children's Act 1908 and related matters; Child Care Act 1991, including the duties of the Health Boards and Courts in matters of child-care. Garda Policy on Domestic Violence, powers of entry, use of force, arrests and prosecution of offenders are all covered during training. The contextual policing aspect of training deals with the rights of victims in situations of domestic violence.

Throughout training, Student/Probationers undertake role-play exercises with scenarios which depict practical incidents that they may encounter relating to domestic violence. This role-play type training develops their skills and competencies in dealing with all aspects of domestic violence. Garda Management have also informed me that arrangements are being made to facilitate AMEN, an organisation representing male victims of domestic violence, in delivering a training presentation to Student Gardaí.

The chief civil legislation relating to domestic violence is the Domestic Violence Act, 1996, as amended in 2002. This is comprehensive and drafted in gender-neutral terms. It provides for a situation where Safety, Protection and Barring Orders can be applied for, and issued by the court as a matter of urgency. Contravention of any Order under the Acts is an offence and subject to sanctions under the criminal law. In addition, criminal legislation such as the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997, which provides for prosecution in cases of assault and harassment, is also gender-neutral.

In relation to the enforcement of the law on domestic violence, the Gardaí have a clear written policy which is non-gender specific. The policy provides that any incident of domestic violence reported to the Gardaí must be fully investigated. The Garda Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit at Harcourt Square liaise with all agencies representing victims of domestic violence.