Vol. 545 No. 1
297 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration has been given to equipping Garda patrol cars with security screens to protect members of the force from violent persons who are being transported to Garda stations. [29899/01]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that security screens were fitted to a number of cars in the past but for a variety of reasons, particularly health and safety considerations, were found unsuitable. In order to get the proper level of protection, a car must have its rear seats removed and an integral unit, comprising of screen and rear plastic seat, fitted. This restricts the space in the rear of the car and during trials was rejected as unsuitable by Garda members.
I am also advised by the Garda authorities that present policy is to transport violent persons to stations by use of public order vehicles with a cell unit fitted in the saloon of the vehicle. The cell units are fitted to a number of vehicles particularly in the larger population areas and Garda policy is to have at least one of these vehicles available to every Garda district in the country. This gives total security and protection to Garda members and allows the prisoners a degree of freedom of movement. The cell units comply with all health and safety requirements whilst at the same affording Garda personnel the necessary level of protection.
