Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when this Deputy will receive replies from the Garda Commissioner regarding the future of Templemore Garda college, County Tipperary; the staffing arrangements therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24010/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that, in relation to the earlier questions raised by the Deputy, the Director of Training at the Garda College is the person ultimately responsible for domestic and catering staff at the Garda College. The day to day operational and management functions are however, delegated to the Restaurant Manager.

The personnel at the Garda restaurant are engaged under the terms of a contract which was negotiated some years ago in association with SIPTU and this contract clearly sets out their conditions of employment. As a result of the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service, a review of the staffing arrangements in the Garda College is ongoing in consultation with all concerned. Arising from this review, the Director of Training and members of his management team negotiated the terms of a redundancy package, as provided for in the contract, with union members and the SIPTU representative in relation to the restaurant personnel. These terms were agreed to by the personnel involved and their union representative.

Local arrangements are in place for the running of the College Restaurant with deductions at source being made from payments to students together with receipts from staff and other course participants for meals provided.

The determination of Garda and clerical staff numbers and the future resource requirements at the Garda College is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The determination of canteen and restaurant personnel numbers is a matter for the Director of Training at the Garda College and the Restaurant Manager in consultation with Senior Garda Management.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [24041/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that any person subjected to racist abuse can report the matter at their local Garda station, or to any member of An Garda Síochána.

Members of the public affected by racism can speak to an Ethnic Liaison Officer (ELO), whose function is to liaise with local ethnic communities. Ethnic Liaison Officers have been trained to be particularly aware of the issue of racism and its impact. These officers are available in each Garda Division in the country. If a person needs encouragement or support in reporting a racist incident they can arrange to meet an ELO at their local Garda station to discuss the matter.

The Garda Racial and Intercultural Office (GRIO) can be contacted by anyone wishing to seek advice on addressing issues of racism. Further information is available on the Garda website www.garda.ie.