Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 456: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to ensure that law enforcement, judicial, medical and other personnel who are involved in custody, interrogation or treatment or who otherwise come into contact with prisoners are provided with the necessary training with regard to the prohibition of torture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35698/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Judiciary is independent in the exercise of its functions under the law and the Constitution. Responsibility for Judicial training is a matter for the Committee for Judicial Studies, which was established to provide for the training and ongoing education of the judiciary. As the Deputy will appreciate, training is judge-led and the content and topics are designed by the judiciary itself.

An Garda Síochána has a comprehensive education, training and information system for the professional development of all members. This development programme incorporates training in human rights issues. The Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations 1987 and 2006 govern all detentions by An Garda Síochána. These regulations make comprehensive provision for the treatment and care of detained persons. Compliance with the regulations ensures that members of An Garda Síochána at all times respect the personal rights and dignity of each detained person and do not subject them to ill treatment of any kind.

Training in the Irish Prison Service begins with induction training at recruitment stage during which Human Rights and Prison law is explored extensively in the Higher Certificate in Custodial Care programme. The Higher Certificate in Custodial Care aims to introduce custodial care professionals to Human Rights Law, specifically, the impact/influence of relevant international legal instruments/conventions on the custodian and prisoner. The provision of training and information is continued on an ongoing basis throughout an Officer's career.

The Irish Prison Service Training and Development Centre, in consultation with the Irish Human Rights Commission, is currently developing a Human Rights Module designed to upgrade the module currently being delivered and have met with the Inspector of Prisons and the Irish Penal Reform Trust in this regard.