Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 568: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have availed of specialised training to deal with domestic and sexual crimes in continuous professional development programmes for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29884/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that during initial training all members of An Garda Síochána receive instructions in the handling and investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. The training includes procedures to be followed when recording reports of domestic violence, first aid training, diversity training and training on safety and barring orders. Additional training is given in the Garda College through a number of outside agencies which include Focus Point, the Rape Crisis Centre,Women's Aid, MOVE and AMEN. While 'domestic violence' is not subject of specific definition in law, provisions of the following legislation may pertain in such situations:

· Domestic Violence Act 1996 (as amended)

· Criminal Damage Act 1991

· Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act 1997

· Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990

· Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994

· Children Act 2001

· Breach of the Peace at Common Law.

The Garda Síochána Policy on Domestic Violence Intervention was subject of review and revised instructions were issued in 2007 and outline procedures to be adopted in investigating such incidents. There is a duty on all members of An Garda Síochána to investigate all incidents of domestic violence, including reports received from a third party.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, under Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, has national responsibility for the implementation of Garda Policy on Domestic Violence within the State. There are monitoring mechanisms in place, with a Garda Inspector appointed in every Garda Division, to ensure uniform enforcement countrywide.