Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 370: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the support available to persons (details supplied). [2190/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána attach importance to managing with sensitivity cases where members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities are victims of crime. Where appropriate, such a victim is referred to a trained LGBT Officer within An Garda Síochána.

All victims of crimes, including those with a homophobic motivation, are urged to report the matter to their local Gardaí.

The Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO) monitors crimes which have a homophobic motivation on a constant basis so as to ensure that all such crimes are properly recorded and investigated.

GRIDO has responsibility for coordinating, monitoring and giving advice on policing Ireland's diverse communities and covers all nine grounds set out in the Equal Status Act 2000, which include sexual orientation and works closely with organisations that represent the LGBT communities. It coordinates the work of 328 Ethnic Liaison Officers/LGBT Officers who are based in community policing units in each Garda Division in the country. These officers, who have attended training and seminars covering the topics of diversity, racism and homophobia, including training in sensitivity in dealing with the victims of homophobic crime, liaise with groups and advise them of the Garda services available.

An Garda Síochána's policy on the services and support provided to all victims of crime can be found in the An Garda Síochána Victims Charter which was revised in 2010 and is available at www.garda.ie. The Charter states that for all victims of crime An Garda Síochána will:

respond quickly to their call and investigate their complaint;

give them the name, telephone number and station of the investigating Garda and the PULSE incident number;

explain what will happen and keep them informed of the criminal investigation; and

tell them in writing about the Crime Victims' Helpline and the other services available for victims of crime or a traumatic incident. Victims can access a wide range of support services through this Helpline, which is run by volunteers and is independent of An Garda Síochána.