Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda trained and authorised to use firearms; if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed at the recent annual conference of the AGSI that firearms training for members was so poor that it was putting members lives at risk; the steps he intends to take to deal with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15655/06]

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 12 Army firing ranges, countrywide, to facilitate Garda firearms training.

The number of gardaí who carry arms on duty at any particular time is an operational matter for the Commissioner. I have made it clear in the past that the traditional unarmed character of the Garda Síochána has always been one of its key strengths in maintaining its public reputation as an approachable force which polices by consent and not by fear. That is a tradition which any reasonable member of the public would want to see continued. Instruction governing the use of firearms and practical or 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 re-certification 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. In order to carry a firearm on duty, the member's chief superintendent must issue the member with a firearm authorisation card. The total number of firearms cards issued for the year ending 31 December 2005 was 3,631. Responsibility for the use of a firearm rests with the individual garda in accordance with the instructions.

Discussions have been ongoing with the Defence Forces regarding the future use of their facilities. In this regard, the Garda authorities have submitted proposals to my Department for the future provision of two Garda firearm training facilities. These proposals are being progressed as a matter of urgency.

It is intended to provide a new centre of excellence for the Garda college. This centre will cater for a broad range of training requirements for the force, including facilities for firearms training. A number of possible sites for this development have been identified and are currently being assessed by the Office of Public Works.

In addition, it is intended to totally refurbish and update the indoor firing range in Garda headquarters and to this end, the Garda authorities have been working with an external consultant with expertise in this area and a report will be submitted to the Garda Commissioner shortly. Once the Commissioner has considered the report, I expect a proposal to be submitted to my Department.