Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the call by the Garda Representative Association for consideration of the possibility of allowing gardaí to carry pepper sprays in view of the increasing number of violent attacks on members of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34530/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the call by the Garda Representative Association for pepper spray to be issued to Gardaí. This call follows the recommendation of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate in its report on practices and procedures for barricade incidents that pepper spray should be issued to all Gardaí on operational duty. This is an operational matter which is for decision by the Garda Commissioner. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is currently being examined.