Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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338. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the training given to probationary and fully qualified members of An Garda Síochána to deal with incidences of domestic abuse. [44955/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for managing An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and civilian staff. As Minister, I have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are a range of training programmes in place to enable Gardaí to learn how to deal with incidences of domestic abuse.

For trainee Gardaí, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following training is provided:

- While in Phase I training, trainee Gardaí cover Domestic Violence as part of the B.A. in Applied Policing Programme, under the “Policing with Communities” module. In this module, trainees are introduced to the relevant legislation and policy, and also receive related PULSE training. In addition, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) deliver a seminar to trainee Gardaí on Domestic Abuse.

- While in Phase 3 training, trainee Gardaí receive further training in Domestic Abuse, with training delivered in Case Studies, Domestic Dispute Pulse Creation, Procedures for Obtaining Orders, Step by Step for First Responders and Domestic Abuse Guidance in Garda College. Adapt / Women’s Aid also deliver a workshop on Domestic Abuse Awareness in Phase 3 training for An Garda Síochána

I am further informed that the Continuous Professional Developmentsection of Garda College has also developed a core programme for 2019, addressing issues including domestic violence and coercive control.

Finally, and as the Deputy is aware, An Garda Síochána is rolling out Protective Services Units nationwide, with specially trained members to specifically deal with victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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339. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the training budget allocated to members of An Garda Síochána in relation to domestic abuse. [44956/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by An Garda Síochána that it is not possible to provide a breakdown of the annual funding for specialist training in the area of domestic violence in the past five years.

The training plan costs the delivery of overall programmes and the provision of funding for niche training. Unit costs of courses which are delivered as part of longer running courses such as the B.A. in Applied Policing, or delivered as part of the Phase III probationary period and the associated costs in the development of these training programmes is not available, as individual unit module costs of long recurring course, are not quantified.

The Deputy may wish to be aware that, I am informed by the Garda authorities, that the budget for training and development expenditure is now included under the Garda College subhead. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the budget for training and development in 2019 is €37.6 million, which is an increase of €5.8 million on 2018.