asked the Minister for Justice the number of occasions during the past five years on which members of the Garda have discharged firearms in the course of their duties; the number of persons killed or wounded as a result; the number of occasions on which members of the Garda have been fired at during the past five years; the number of members killed or wounded as a result; the procedures which exist for counselling members of the Garda involved in traumatic incidents; if it is intended to improve such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Discharging of Firearms.
54.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that members of the Force have discharged firearms in the course of their duties on 51 occasions in the past five years and that as a result three persons were killed and nine wounded. I am informed that gardaí were fired upon on 33 occasions in the same period and that as a result one member was killed and ten injured.
At present there is one welfare officer attached to the Force who is available for counselling members involved in traumatic incidents. Three further welfare officers will be appointed shortly and such counselling will form part of their work.