Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
105 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the adequacy or otherwise of firearm training for members of An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22556/07]
View answerI am informed by the Garda Commissioner that he is satisfied with the level of training provided for members of An Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry firearms. It compares favourably with similar training provided internationally by other Police Services.
Firearms Authorisation Card Holders, who are designated personnel permitted to carry firearms in An Garda Síochána, are required to attend for firearms refresher training at least three times per calendar year. Two of the refresher training courses are for ‘live fire' and one course takes place on the recently acquired Firearms Automated Training System (FATS).
An Garda Síochána has two full-time Firearms Training Units, based at Garda Headquarters and the Garda College.
Significant developments in An Garda Síochána Firearms Training over the last 18 months have included:
The purchase of three FATS units took place in January 2006. FATS refresher training commenced immediately thereafter and has since proved to be a very successful development. FATS facilitates judgmental training by posing armed scenarios on screen which the Firearms Authorisation Card Holders must contend with in a real time situation.
The FATS facility allows playback where the Firearms Authorisation Card Holders can then evaluate their actions and decisions with Firearms Training Instructors.
FATS training has allowed development of judgmental firearm training as well as traditional marksmanship training.
Two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges have been ordered by An Garda Síochána and delivery and installation is expected before the year end. One range will be located at the former disused range at the Garda College and the second at a new site in Airton Road, Tallaght.
These Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges are newly designed products recently brought to the market that will facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully contained environment which adheres to all range safety requirements. The delivery of the two prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges will reduce An Garda Síochána dependency on using army ranges and furthermore will provide access to firearms ranges at all times without causing noise pollution to neighbouring areas.
Garda Firearms training is constantly reviewed to ensure that sufficient training is provided and that training compares favourably with international best practice.
