Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
407. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the date on which, and by whom, she was first advised that the holster issued to a detective Garda (details supplied) was reported to be unfit for purpose by members of the Garda armoury technical staff, well before an incident in June 2020. [7555/24]
View answer408. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the steps she took following receipt of reports in respect of an incident and relating matters; and if she directed that An Garda Síochána take the steps to immediately rectify issues raised in the same reports. [7556/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
The murder of Detective Colm Horkan is a stark reminder of the considerable risks that every Garda member places themselves in their daily work on our behalf. I would like to, again, extend my thoughts to the family and loved ones of Detective Colm Horkan. In carrying out his duties he displayed the courage and commitment to duty which is in the best traditions of An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, including procurement of equipment. However, the Commissioner has publically confirmed that a safety holster was introduced following the murder of Det. Colm Horkan. The introduction of a safety holster has made it more difficult for a firearm to be removed.
While it is a source of pride that An Garda Síochána remains a mainly unarmed policing service, the safety of Garda members, and the public, is paramount and Garda equipment is subject to safety/risk assessment. It is imperative that Garda members are issued with appropriate equipment for their duties.
I am informed that members attached to regular units and Detective units are trained in handling handguns. Specialist Units such as the Emergency Response Unit and the Armed Support Unit are trained in handling appropriate firearms and less lethal options.
The Deputy will be interested to know, in order to further support front-line Gardaí, the Garda Senior Management Team has agreed on a range of measures to further support front-line Gardaí, including equipping all Gardaí with:
• stronger incapacitant spray,
• expansion of the dog unit,
• increasing public order training,
• more tasers for public order policing, and
• provision of hand-held video cameras for public order units, among other measures.
Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to providing An Garda Síochána with the resources needed. This is reflected in the unprecedented budget allocation of over €2.35 billion to An Garda Síochána, a 25% increase since 2020.
