Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
153. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 114 of 1 December 2016, the number of those appointed detectives in each division that are current firearm card holders. [41871/16]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the numbers of appointed detectives in each Division who are current firearm card holders is deemed to be operationally sensitive and cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that since January 2007, each Garda member who is authorised to carry firearms on duty is required to attend two live fire refresher firearms courses and one judgmental firearms training course each year. Judgmental firearms training involves and requires detailed analysis of the law pertaining to the use of force, with particular reference to the European Convention on Human Rights. Each Divisional Officer has oversight of firearms training in their respective Divisions.
The Firearms Training Unit has responsibility for providing firearms-related training to members of An Garda Síochána. Basic firearms courses are offered to Divisions based on their operational requirements. Members attending for refresher courses are assessed on range safety, weapon safety and accuracy.
Regional Support Unit members receive training throughout the calendar year in firearms, less lethal options (e.g. Taser, Beanbag, Distraction Device) and tactical training.
Members of specialist sections, such as the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) undertake additional and more frequent firearms and other tactical training due to the nature of the duties they perform.
