Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 4: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the firearms training facilities which are available to members of the Garda Síochána; the number of times these facilities can be used; the amount spent on firearms training by the Garda Síochána; his views on whether the current provisions are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9820/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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.

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

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not in order to quote from documents during questions.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I will abide by the Ceann Comhairle's ruling. A serious issue arises in this regard because 3,600 members of the Garda Síochána are being given inadequate training and do not have proper facilities to bring them up to the highest professional standards in the use of firearms. Guns are lethal instruments which can cause injury and damage to members of the force and the public.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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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.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Does the Minister not accept that this is an extremely serious issue, for which he has responsibility? Does he accept that the information I cited, which was passed on to me anonymously by what I believe to be credible sources, indicates a serious state of affairs? The Minister should take responsibility in this matter and ensure deficiencies in firearms training are remedied immediately before a serious injury or accident results.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I assure the Deputy that if the Garda Commissioner asks me for resources for firearms training and makes proposals — he has already proposed the establishment of two centres — which can be implemented, the question of resources will not arise. It is simply a matter of giving the Garda approval to put in place what is appropriate for the force. No Minister in the history of the State has given the Garda as many resources as are currently available to it. I will not stint any resource as far as gardaí being properly equipped to carry out their duties is concerned. I am satisfied the particular problem which emerged with the 20 year old indoor firing range erected when the Deputy's party was in government is being addressed.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should stop playing politics with a serious issue.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The other facilities to which I referred will be provided when sites are identified for them.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should read the report of the working group from which I believe I have quoted.