Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
419 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí trained in the use of less than lethal weapons; the number of those who are also members of the emergency response unit; the number of gardaí it is planned to train in the use of less than lethal weapons; the number of those who are also members of the emergency response unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29086/04]
View answerThe Government noted, on 19 November 2002, my proposal to authorise the introduction of three "less than lethal" devices for use by the Garda emergency response unit where necessary to avoid the use of firearms. The use of these "less than lethal" devices is restricted to the emergency response unit, or ERU.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that 16 members of the ERU have been trained in the use of "less than lethal" devices. Further training of ERU personnel will take place as operational requirements dictate.
