John Dennehy (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 458: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has had discussions with the Garda authorities regarding the purchase of a water cannon; his views on whether this facility should be available to the Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8938/06]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 468: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no water cannons were purchased for Garda resources; his plans to purchase water cannons following the riots in Dublin on 25 February 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9048/06]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 469: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no water cannon was purchased by his Department to help the Garda Síochána in their policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9049/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458, 468 and 469 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that equipment to assist in police operations is kept under continual review. The question of purchasing a water cannon is in the first instance a matter for the Garda authorities. I have received no proposal to date from the Garda authorities to purchase water cannons. Should such a proposal be received in my Department, it would be given careful consideration.

In April, 2004, in considering the range of tactical options available to ensure the safety of the public in dealing with unruly protests, the Garda Commissioner entered into a service level agreement for the loan of two water cannons from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI. Members of the Garda Síochána have been trained by the PSNI in using the cannons. The PSNI has undertaken to update this training as required or as modifications are made to their equipment. The Commissioner is satisfied with the continuation of this agreement. This is another tangible example of practical ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI.