Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise effective enforcement of the Criminal Justice (United Nations Convention Against Torture) Act 2006 and the Geneva Conventions Acts 1962 to 1998 by making resources available for specialised training in the provisions of those statutes to members of An Garda Síochána and by other means as may be required by An Garda Síochána in order to ensure effective protection for the dignity of all persons within or passing through the State. [20315/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The importance attached to human rights compliance in policing in Ireland is highlighted by Section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This Section sets out the functions of the Garda Síochána, which include providing policing and security services with the objective of protection of life and property and of vindicating the human rights of each individual.

Human Rights training forms an integral part of 'Contextual Policing Studies', which is incorporated into the 'Student/Probationer Development and Training Programme' at the Garda College. New members of the Garda Síochána now make a declaration of the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. Human rights training also forms part of the training provided by the 'Continuous Professional Development' staff allocated to each of the Garda Divisions for serving members of the Garda Síochána.

My Department has been in communication with the Garda Commissioner to ensure that these commitments are fully honoured, particularly in the ongoing development of training programmes within the Garda Síochána. I can also assure the Deputy that all necessary resources are being made available in this regard.