Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Garda Equipment.

Alan Shatter

Ceist:

410 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if any non-lethal weapons have recently been purchased by the Garda Síochána; if so, the nature of the weapons purchased; the tendering process involved; the costs involved; and the name of the firm from which the purchase was made or is being made. [9805/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): I am advised by the Garda authorities that a working group under the chairmanship of an Assistant Commissioner has examined and tested various types of less than lethal weapons which included live test firing of various projectiles.

Following the submission of the working group's report, the Garda Commissioner established an implementation team to identify logistical and training requirements and to develop operational guidelines for the use of less than lethal weapons.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the work of the implementation team is ongoing and, to date, no less than lethal weapons have been purchased for operational purposes.