Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 503: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to anti-stab vests being individually available to members of the Garda Síochána; and if the New York Police Benevolent Association will provide second-hand vests to members of the Garda Síochána in view of the continuing need for the adequate supply for such equipment here. [30618/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources including personnel, that a modern lightweight technical vest with anti-stab and anti-ballistic properties has been sourced and procured. I am further informed that it is envisaged that this particular vest will be piloted in an operational Garda district in the very near future. Garda management states that from a health and safety point of view, it would be totally inappropriate to issue second-hand vests to members and, accordingly, it is not proposed to provide such vests to members of the Garda Síochána.