David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that members of An Garda Síochána have received adequate training to deal with cases of domestic abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38065/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence 2010-2014, includes an action to promote and develop understanding and recognition of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence across the State sector. Work in relation to relevant domestic and sexual violence training programmes for the justice sector, including An Garda Síochána, is being progressed by a committee led by Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office within my Department. The committee expects to finalise its report shortly. During their initial training, all members of An Garda Síochána receive instructions in the handling and investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. This 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.

The Garda Síochána Policy on Domestic Violence Intervention has been reviewed in recent years. Revised instructions were issued in 2007 which outlined procedures to be adopted in investigating such incidents. The recently amended Children First - National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011) has also been adopted as Garda policy. 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 monitoring and implementation of Garda Policy on Domestic Violence within the State. Members of this unit are available to provide expert assistance to District and Divisional officers and there are monitoring mechanisms in place, with a Garda Inspector appointed in every Garda Division, to ensure uniform enforcement countrywide. Members of An Garda Síochána have also attended at international training courses and seminars relative to issues of domestic violence and sexual abuse, with up-to-date information, legislation, guidance and best practice available to all members of An Garda Síochána, through internal mechanisms, to assist in the investigation of such incidents.