Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 390: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives in place within An Garda Síochána for tackling racism, homophobia, and upholding the human rights standards within society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40047/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The centrality of human rights compliance to policing in Ireland is highlighted by section 7 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 which sets out for the first time the core functions of the Garda Siochana in a modern and unambiguous statutory format. Those objectives include (a) the protection of life and property and (b) vindicating the human rights of each individual.

That said, it is important of course that these core objectives of Government policy are made clear to each member of the force. That is why section 16 of the Act of 2005 provides a revised form of declaration for persons joining the Force, which specifically directs each new member's attention to the need to have regard for human rights in carrying out policing duties. A further practical example of that individualised approach lies in the fact that a short 32 page guide to the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 has been distributed to each member of the force. The guide outlines the key principles of human rights obligations as they apply to operational policing.

Human rights compliance features strongly in the Garda Siochana's corporate strategy A Time for Change (2007-2009). That document commits the Gardaí to engaging in "a culture of public service grounded in honesty, integrity, respect, professionalism and accountability". It further commits to "compliance with the highest standards of ethical human rights and service standards."

In addition there is a comprehensive education, training and information system for the professional development of all staff. This development programme incorporates human rights training. This applies both to Garda students and at supervisory and managerial development courses. In addition the preparation of a new statutory Code of Ethics is well underway. It is also the case that the ongoing need to human rights proof Garda policies has been fully accepted by Garda management.