Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I reject the suggestion that there is a crisis. The fact that more than 3,600 members of the Garda Síochána are issued annually with a certificate for which they undergo testing every year speaks for itself. In 1985 when two certain parties were in government an indoor range was built in Garda headquarters. This range is out of service and awaiting complete refurbishment because concerns arose about the safety of the building which the Deputy's party constructed when in government. An external company has been engaged with a view to deciding how the building, which is only 20 years old, can be made safe and brought up to the proper standards.

Last year the Garda authorities submitted proposals to my Department for the provision of two Garda firearms training facilities. These are being considered by officials in my Department in consultation with the Office of Public Works. In the medium term it is planned to provide a new centre of excellence for the Garda College. A site for this centre, which will cater for a broad range of tactical training requirements for the force, including facilities for firearms training, is being sought. The Garda authorities have informed me that they are satisfied current firearms training is adequate for the present firearms training needs of the force.

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