Vol. 546 No. 5
22 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding the acquisition by the gardaí of non-lethal weapons for dealing with siege type situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32081/01]
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a working group under the chairmanship of an assistant commissioner has examined and tested various types of less than lethal weapons which included live test firing of various projectiles. I am also advised that the group's findings have been approved by the Garda Commissioner and questions relating to implementation are now being looked at including procedures and assessing training needs for the use of less than lethal weapons. I will consider the matter fully when these practical issues have been addressed.
