Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2006
557 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason members of An Garda Síochána have not been issued with stab proof vests; and when it is intended that same will be made available. [25640/06]
View answerThe provision of equipment to members of An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Commissioner. I have made funding available for necessary equipment as requested from the Commissioner and I will continue to do so.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that a tender competition for the supply of anti-stab vests closed on 21 June, 2006. I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the evaluation of the tenders is currently taking place. It is anticipated that the order for supply will be placed in August, 2006, with delivery of the vests to all uniform members expected to commence in November, 2006.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Deputy Kenny in Question No. 202 on 28 June 2006 in which I provided more detailed information on this procurement.
558 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason pepper spray, which has been available for some time to many police forces in Europe and throughout the world is not available to members of An Garda Síochána confronting violent situations. [25641/06]
View answerThe provision of equipment to members of An Garda Síochána is a matter for the Commissioner. I have provided the funding for equipment as requested by the Commissioner and I will continue to do so.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that while there are currently no units using any type of repellent or incapacitant sprays within the Garda Síochána, they are considering providing personal incapacitant spray devices to members of the Force. A new type of synthetic spray, which the manufacturer claims will eliminate any risks to humans, is under consideration by the Garda Uniform Committee. This product is currently being evaluated by the Chief Medical Officer.
I appreciate that any risks associated with pepper spray must be fully evaluated. While I do not want to anticipate the outcome of this consideration I am anxious to ensure that all necessary measures are put in place, up to best international practice, to ensure as far as possible the safety of members of the Force. Clearly an advantage the Commissioner has in assessing the case for personal pepper spray is the record of the availability and use of such devices in other countries such as the UK. I have asked the Commissioner to let me know of the outcome of his consideration of this issue as soon as possible, with a view to issuing members of the Force with the safest brand of spray which is found most suitable for use.
