Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that front line staff such as gardaí are provided with appropriate training to deal with domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14259/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that domestic violence training is provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development to serving members of An Garda Síochána. The Student Probationer School provides extensive training to new members of An Garda Síochána. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) incorporated Domestic Violence on the 1997 Core Programme for all members of Garda and Sergeant rank after the Domestic Violence Act came into force in 1996. Furthermore, a policy document was issued to all members. The Core Continuous Professional Development Programme for 2006 contained a module on Sexual Crime, developed in consultation with the Rape Crisis Centre Counselling Network and covered some areas pertinent to Domestic Violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development. Student /Probationer School deals with the area of Domestic Violence in two study areas, namely Social & Psychological Studies and Legal & Policing Studies as set out hereunder.

Social and Psychological Studies provides the following training to Student and Probationer Gardaí at the Garda College: 1. Women's Aid organisation provides 5 hours training in relation to the victim's perspective. This involves 1 hour in a lecture theatre and 4 hours training in workshops with groups of 20-23 Student Gardaí. 2. A representative of the organisation Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (M.O.V.E) provides a one hour training programme to Student Gardaí on the methods of dealing with offenders in relation to Domestic Violence.1. AMEN, an organisation representing male victims of domestic violence provides a three hour training awareness programme from the perspective of male victims of domestic violence to Student Gardaí. 1. Social and Psychological Studies staff provide training to Phase III Student Gardaí, through development work and role-play 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. Phase III Student Gardaí are assessed in conjunction with training provided by Legal & Policing Studies.

Legal and Policing Studies facilitate the following instruction in relation to Domestic Violence to Garda Students: Phase I Students are facilitated with instruction on offences committed within the family. While the majority of this training deals specifically with domestic violence, it is recognised that the subject cannot be dealt with in isolation and therefore elements of the training deal with the Children Act, 1908, Child Care, Act 1991 and the Children Act, 2001, where they are impacted by domestic violence issues. Phase III is conducted in a facilitative style in classrooms rather than lecture theatres for the most part. Taking into consideration the experience gained by Student Gardaí on Phase II, training is also provided which goes more in-depth into the procedures when dealing with Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence training is always under consideration by the Garda College. Close liaison is maintained with the various stakeholders to ensure that the training provided is current.