asked the Minister for Justice if plastic bullets are part of the weaponry of the Garda; if there is any situation in which he would justify the use of plastic bullets; and if he rejects the use of plastic bullets and if he will make a statement to that effect.
Written Answers. - Plastic Bullets.
533.
Limerick East): While it has been the policy of successive Ministers for Justice to refuse to disclose whether particular items of weaponry or equipment not on public display are or are not available to the Garda Síochána, I think that in present circumstances it is appropriate to make an exception limited to this occasion only. Accordingly, on that understanding, I confirm that the Garda Síochána do not have plastic bullets.
Accordingly no question arises as to the possible use of plastic bullets by the Garda Síochána. Under the normal rules and conventions governing the answering of questions in this House, it would not be a matter for me as Minister for Justice to comment on the use of plastic bullets otherwise than by the Garda Síochána.