Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

One of the most far-sighted and enlightened decisions of the founding fathers of the State was to have an unarmed police force, although I accept that armed back-up is necessary. Currently, 3,600 members of the Garda Síochána hold firearms certificates and it is imperative that they have the highest professional training. Information supplied to me indicates that this is not the case as gardaí have no firing range — the indoor ranges in Dublin and Templemore are closed — student gardaí do not receive firearms training, gardaí are only allowed to practise three times per annum, no tactical training is given and 500 new SIG 6 mm and 9 mm automatics are in stores with no one trained in their use.

I understand a report is being compiled on the use of firearms. I understand this report, a copy of which I have sought but not yet received, may contain the following statement:

The firearms training situation in An Garda Síochána is at present in crisis. This crisis arises from a failure to provide a clear operational and training policy, appropriate training facilities, a proper internationally recognised—

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