Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
409. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice if all operational gardaí are currently recertified or qualified to use batons, handcuffs and incapacitant spray, if they meet a public order situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53746/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for operational policing matters, including the training of Garda members. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that all trainee Gardaí receive training in the use of batons, handcuffs and incapacitant spray as part of the Officer and Public Safety Module in the initial stages of the Foundation Training Programme. Subsequent to this, and once members are deployed, the recertification of operational members is the responsibility of each Divisional office, and these are not recorded centrally.
