Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2004
168 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the person who authorised the transfer of water cannons from PSNI to the Garda Síochána, and the duration of the loan; if gardaí received training in their usage; if so, the person that provided it; the number of gardaí involved; where training took place; and its duration. [14052/04]
View answerIn April the Garda authorities considered a range of tactical options available through co-operation on public law and order. The Garda Commissioner entered into a service level agreement for the loan of two water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to ensure the safety of the public in dealing with unruly protesters. The water cannons were procured for the period 18 April to 5 May, inclusive, and have since been returned.
A total of 19 members of the Garda Síochána received training in the tactical command and use of water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Training took place at the PSNI training centre in County Down and at Gormanstown Camp, County Meath over a three week period.
