§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) guidance, (b) instructions, (c) training and (d) rules have been issued to the police governing treatment of traveller children and children of other ethnic minorities. [150597]
§ Mr. IngramThere is no specific guidance issued to police officers about the treatment of traveller children and children from other minority groups. Treatment of these groups is governed by the safeguards which are in place in respect of all children in the form of the statutory Codes of Practice issued under PACE (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 and the Terrorism Act 2000, with their additional safeguards in respect of juveniles. Language difficulties are overcome with the involvement of trained interpreters. Additional training and guidance is provided on Human Rights and Equality issues.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the other written notices that have been circulated in the past five years(a) for the attention of and (b) to be communicated to officers having dealings with members of the public the responsibilities they have towards the exercise of their powers in respect of children. [150599]
§ Mr. IngramThe Royal Ulster Constabulary operates under the Codes of Practice issued under the provisions of PACE (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996, the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Other than addendum's to the Royal Ulster Constabulary manual held by each officer explaining aspects of the law, no other notices have been issued or communicated to the police in this respect.