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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1990

Vol. 397 No. 9

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Síochána Firearms Training.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

10 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice whether his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed about the adequacy of firearms training for members of the Garda Síochána; the extent of such training which is available on a regular and refresher basis for members of the force trained in the use of firearms; and if adequate resources will be made available for such purposes.

I have been assured by the Garda authorities that the firearms training at present provided for the Garda Síochána is regarded as adequate. It includes regular refresher courses for members who carry firearms in the course of their duties.

As the commissioner has already announced, a review of firearms training is in progress and it is the intention to upgrade the training programme as deemed desirable in the light of the findings of this review. Any extra resources that are required will be made available.

Is the Minister aware that considerable concern was expressed at the Conference of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors on this matter? Does he accept that the statements made at that conference were correct, in particular the complaints that the present system of training is totally inadequate?

The commissioner responded to the points made at the AGSI conference and announced a review of the firearms training. He said it is the intention to upgrade the training programme as deemed desirable in the light of the findings of the review which he is carrying out.

Can the Minister confirm the statements made at that conference that some members who carry arms are lucky if they get one day's training in the year and that, in fact, they are restricted in the use of ammunition? Can the Minister further confirm other information that was made available to me that certain training sessions had to be cancelled because of a shortage of ammunition?

The Garda authorities have assured me that there is no problem in relation to resources and that goes further than just ammunition; it applies also to firing ranges, the availability of appropriate firearms, etc. The resources are there and I want to assure the House that if it is the commissioner's considered opinion that if something additional is required it will, of course, be made available. Training is a matter for the Garda authorities. They have assured me that they have sufficient resources but if they want additional resources in the light of the review, all they have to do is ask.

A final question from Deputy O'Keeffe, please.

Is the Minister giving a categoric assurance to this House that if further additional moneys are needed to improve training for our Garda who carry arms that such moneys will be made available so that we will not expect our Garda to face armed criminals unprepared, untrained?

I do not accept that our men are going out at present facing armed crimnals untrained. Training and refresher courses are being carried out both for small arms and for submachine gun training. Training of the members of the force is primarily a matter for the Garda authorities. The commissioner is carrying out a review in light of the report he got from Assistant Commissioner Moran who is involved in training. He hopes to complete it shortly and to announce a new training programme in the very near future. When I receive his comments, and if he requires additional resources they will be made available to him but there has been no suggestion from the Garda authorities of any shortage of resources.

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