Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to provide funding to the Garda to provide a dedicated firearms range; the facilities available to the Garda for such training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25032/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The provision of firearms training and related facilities for members of An Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry firearms are matters for the Garda Commissioner in accordance with his identified operational requirements.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána has ordered two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges at a cost of €3.2 million. Delivery and installation of the new ranges is expected before the end of this year and they will be put into operation early in 2008. These prefabricated ranges are newly designed products that will facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully contained environment which adheres to all range safety requirements.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that three Firearms Automated Training Systems (FATS) units were purchased in January 2006 at a cost of €512,878 and are currently in use. FATS training has allowed the development of judgmental firearms training as well as traditional marksmanship training in a non-live fire environment. Members of An Garda Síochána and the Garda Specialist Training Unit also make use of Military ranges countrywide. Firearms training and facilities are constantly reviewed to ensure sufficient and appropriate training is provided and that training compares favourably with international best practice.