P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí provided with stab-proof vests and bullet proof vests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9064/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including equipment, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to be decided on the basis of his identified operational needs. I am advised by the Garda authorities that two types of protective body armour are currently in use by Gardaí. Detectives are issued with protective vests that have bullet and stab proof properties. A total of 1,500 of these vests have been issued to date and all detectives have access to them. Uniformed personnel are issued with lighter and more flexible protective vests which incorporate bullet and stab proof properties and to date 11,500 such vests have been issued to Members.