Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Firearms training forms part of all specialist training conducted by the specialist training unit under the authority of the Garda College. I am advised by the Garda authorities that they have the use of Army firing ranges to facilitate Garda firearms training and have access to 12 such ranges countrywide. The total expenditure for the specialist training unit for 2005 was €1,959,266 which includes all salary and related ancillary costs. This figure does not include travel and subsistence incurred by individual members undergoing the training.

The number of gardaí who carry arms on duty at any particular time is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner. I have made it clear in the past that the traditional unarmed character of the Garda Síochána has been one its key strengths in maintaining its public reputation as an approachable force which polices by consent rather than fear. This is a tradition which any reasonable member of the public would want continued.

Instruction governing the use of firearms and practical-tactical training is provided for each firearm on issue to the Garda Síochána. Members must achieve the necessary skills and standards to meet the aims and objectives for each firearms course. There is also an ongoing annual recertification programme, which includes refresher training.

Members of the Garda Síochána who successfully complete the relevant firearms training course are issued with a certificate of competency in the particular firearm. To carry a firearm on duty the member's chief superintendent must issue the member with a firearm authorisation card. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of firearms cards issued for the year ending 31 December 2005 was 3,631 or approximately one quarter of the force. Responsibility for the use of a firearm resides with individual gardaí in accordance with instructions.

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