Vol. 549 No. 2
61 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress which has been made regarding the acquisition by the Garda of non-lethal weapons for dealing with siege type situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6071/02]
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.
Following the submission of the working group's report, the Garda Commissioner established an implementation team to identify logistical and training requirements and to develop operational guidelines for the use of less than lethal weapons. The work of the implementation team is at an advanced stage and will be concluded soon.
I will consider the matter fully when these practical issues have been addressed.
