Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 283: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a dedicated indoor firing range for members of An Garda Síochána. [5390/07]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 284: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the provision of a dedicated indoor firing range for members of An Garda Síochána; when he expects one to be constructed or made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5391/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.

I am advised by the Garda Authorities that they have available to them a range of facilities for the delivery of firearms training. The Garda authorities are pursuing a number of solutions to provide enhanced and dedicated firearms training facilities. These include, replacement of the existing firearms range at Garda Headquarters with a new facility as part of the new Forensic Science facilities and development of firearms training capabilities at the recently purchased lands outside Templemore. The Office of Public Works are also examining proposals to develop a facility to meet the needs of the Dublin Metropolitan Region and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, use is made of Military ranges, and the Garda Firearms training units together with the Garda College, maintain close liaison with their army colleagues to obtain the maximum amount of time on their ranges. Garda management also inform me that three new Virtual Firearms Automated Training Systems (FATS) were purchased last year in order to expand the options available to An Garda Síochána. I understand that training using this new equipment commenced in January in Limerick, Mullingar and at the existing indoor firing range facility in Garda Headquarters.