Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
12 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is intended to reduce the number of gardaí who carry arms; the number currently trained in the use of firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32496/04]
View answerThe Minister has been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of personnel of all ranks currently trained in the use of firearms is 3,664. The number of gardaí who carry arms on duty at any particular time is an operational matter for the Commissioner.
The Minister has made it clear that he believes the traditional unarmed character of the Garda Síochána has always been one of its key strengths in maintaining its public reputation as an approachable force that polices by consent and not by fear. Any reasonable member of the public would want to see that tradition continued.
Instruction governing the use of firearms and practical and tactical training is provided for each firearm on issue to the Garda Síochána. Members of the force must achieve the required score in qualifying shots and display the necessary skills and standards to meet the aims and objectives for each firearms course. There is also an ongoing annual recertification programme, which includes refresher training.
The position on the use of firearms by members of the Garda Síochána is that members who successfully complete the relevant firearms training course are issued with a certificate of competency regarding the firearm in question. To carry a firearm on duty, a member's chief superintendent must issue him or her with a firearm authorisation card. Responsibility for the use of a firearm rests with the individual garda in accordance with the instructions.
Whenever a firearm is produced or used in the course of duty, the officer in question is obliged submit immediately thereafter a report detailing the circumstances involved to the station that covers the area where the incident occurred or, if that station is closed, the district headquarters, and to the member's own station on his return.
The Commissioner appointed a working group within the Garda Síochána, chaired by an assistant commissioner, to examine issues relating to the use of firearms in the force with particular reference to training. The Minister understands that some issues raised by this group are the subject of ongoing study. He will consider the outcome of this study in due course in consultation with the Commissioner.
Will the Minister of State confirm the statement of Assistant Commissioner Nacie Rice that there will be a reduction in the number of gardaí carrying firearms? Will so-called less-than-lethal weapons become part of the new equipment of the Garda? If so, has the emergency response unit already been furnished with such equipment? Have any of the water cannons that were introduced during the EU Presidency been purchased by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for use?
As I stated, the determination of the number of gardaí who carry arms while on duty at any given time is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. The Minister and his Department do not comment on this.
The decision on whether to introduce less-than-lethal weapons was made on the basis of a general Garda review of these types of devices carried out by the Garda authorities. The review was conducted by a working group on less-than-lethal weapons under the chairmanship of the assistant commissioner at the crime and security branch. The terms of reference included the examination of current practices and procedures for all circumstances; examination of the procedures in place in other jurisdictions; the gathering of information available on non-lethal methods currently available and the evaluation of same with regard to use by the Garda Síochána; making recommendations on all the implications for the Garda Síochána of making such non-lethal methods available for use by members of the force; and consideration of legislative changes that may be necessary. The working group attended international conferences on the subject, visited various agencies in Europe and the US and attended a number of live firearm demonstrations. The information gleaned from these visits is to be combined with that gleaned from additional test material before a final decision is made on the recommendation.
I am very much in favour of having an unarmed Garda force. This policy has served us so well. However, I accept that some members of the force should be armed.
I am given to understand that the training facilities available for the use of firearms leave much to be desired. A by-product of the closure of many of military posts is that less space is available for firing ranges and other training facilities. Does the Minister of State agree that those gardaí who carry arms require regular access to training facilities? If not, it is not wise to allow them to carry arms.
The Commissioner appointed a group chaired by an assistant commissioner to examine matters relating to the use of firearms and training in the force. Those matters are still under consideration by the Commissioner. The Minister will consider the outcome of that report and any issues that arise regarding the adequacy of the training facilities. The Deputy will be aware that, on 12 October, the Government approved the Minister's proposal to increase the strength of the force. A key element of this project involves the enhancement of the facilities at Templemore. This process is being pursued actively within the established timescale by Garda management.
It is still on the drawing board.
Members of the Garda who complete the relevant training course successfully are issued with a certificate of competency pertaining to the firearm in question. Training is provided for each firearm on issue to the Garda. Instruction governing the use of firearms and practical and tactical training forms part of each course. There are very comprehensive training and procedural regulations governing the use of firearms by gardaí.
Are they adequate?
Yes.
The Minister of State did not answer my question on the assistant commissioner, who stated there would be a reduction in the use of firearms. Is the emergency response unit now being provided with new less-than-lethal weapons because of the experience at Abbeylara? Will this be the normal mechanism that the Garda will operate in future? Whatlessons have been learned?
As the Deputy is aware, the tragic event at Abbeylara is the subject of an ongoing tribunal. As such, it would not be proper for me to comment on the matter. However, it is entirely a matter for the Commissioner and his assistant commissioners and one in which the Government should not get involved.
