Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 468: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide details of the intercultural training provided to gardaí; and his plans to introduce a new training programme that involves all Garda personnel. [35853/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the ethos of training within An Garda Síochána is based upon the Irish Constitution, Legislation (including Human Rights and Equality Legislation) and An Garda Síochána's Policy and Procedures. This ethos informs and underpins the content of all training interventions facilitated by An Garda Síochána.

Details of the Intercultural and Diversity Training provided in the period 2006 to date are as follows:- · A "Diversity Works" one day Training Programme in 'Diversity Awareness was developed for delivery by Continuous Professional Trainers. A total of 69 trainers undertook a Train the Trainers Programme in March 2007. Diversity training was included on the Continuous Professional Development (C.P.D.) core programme for 2007/2008. · A 'Human Rights, Cultural Diversity and Refugee Law' training programme, developed with U.N.H.C.R., was delivered to 380 Garda Immigration Staff during 2006, 2007, and 2008. · 37 members of Inspector and Superintendent Rank received training in 'Human Rights & Constitutional Law' during 2007. This was delivered jointly by Senior Management Development and Barristers at the Kings Inns. · A 'Diversity Works' training workshop was delivered to Garda Employee Assistance (Welfare) Officers. · 450 Ethnic Liaison Officers were trained for liaison with ethnic communities nationwide. · A 'Cultural Diversity Awareness Training' programme was completed by 275 staff (Garda & non Garda) at the Garda College in 2008.

Human Rights training was delivered to participants on Sergeants & Inspectors Promotion Courses in 2007 and 2008. · 80 members of Inspector and Superintendent Rank received 'Managing Diversity Works' Training during 2007 and 2008. · A suite of C.P.D. Programmes for Superintendents and Chief Superintendents on incorporating Human Rights in Executive Decision making was delivered in 2009, 2010 and 2011 with 95 personnel trained. · In 2011 the Leadership and Management Development Faculty have provided Diversity Master Classes to Senior Management in the Garda Organisation, resulting in 29 personnel trained. · The new Student / Probationer programme (B.A. in Applied Policing) addresses the area of 'intercultural training' both directly as part of the curriculum and indirectly within the Student/Probationer competency framework. · Basic equality and diversity awareness is introduced in the Foundations of Policing Module which is the first study module for new recruits. This introduction is further developed in the Policing with Communities module which has a 21 hour Unit of learning entitled 'Diversity'. This unit covers:

o Dynamics of Difference

o Stereotyping and Prejudice

o Each of the nine grounds of discrimination

o Legislation

The unit is delivered using blended learning methodologies including; problem-based learning scenarios, workshops, seminars, a debate and role-plays. As part of the implementation of An Garda Síochána's Diversity Strategy 2009 - 2012 a number of information seminars, with representation from every division in the country, were held to raise Diversity awareness among Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Liaison Gardaí (LGBT) in preparation for their future role in the areas of each of the nine strands of Diversity; Age, Gender, Membership of the Travelling Community, Race/Ethnic Origin, Religious Belief, Sexual Orientation, Family Status, Disability and Marital Status.