Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no designated gardaí with specialised training to deal with crimes of sexual and domestic violence in the Buncrana area; and if he will raise the matter with the Garda Commissioner with a view to rectifying this crucial shortfall. [20291/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that as part of Student/Probationer training all members of An Garda Síochána receive training to prepare for and assist them in the investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. They receive this in two modules, namely Social & Psychological studies and Legal & Policing studies. Additional training is also provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes and a dedicated training programme is provided for those selected for the Detective Branch. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) incorporated domestic violence in 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 Counselling Network and covered areas pertinent to domestic violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development. There is a Garda Inspector in each Garda Division nominated to monitor all incidents of domestic violence within the Division and to ensure that members of An Garda Síochána investigating such incidents adhere to the Garda Síochána Policy on domestic violence.