Dan Boyle
Question:174 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the regulations that exist regarding the use of handcuffs by the Garda on children. [17118/04]
View answerThursday, 3 June 2004
Questions (178)
Written answers
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the use of handcuffs by members of the Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda code. All Garda trainees receive instruction in the use and care of handcuffs as part of their training programme. Other members of the force receive instruction on the use and care of handcuffs at in-service training. I have been further informed that the general policy of the Garda Síochána is that handcuffs should not be used on children. However, because every arrest has its own unique features and indeed hazards, the decision whether to use handcuffs or not rests with the particular Garda involved. The principle to be applied in such cases is that the degree of force to be used in any situation must always be moderated and proportioned to the circumstances of each particular instance, and no more force should be used than is necessary.