Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors regarding proposals from the Commissioner that certain uniformed gardaí would be required to carry firearms in their Garda vehicles as part of the new regional response units planned for around the country; his views on the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21083/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Following the recommendations contained in the Garda Inspectorate's report into barricade incidents, the Garda Commissioner is establishing Regional Support Units (RSU's) in the Garda regions outside Dublin to act as a primary response to critical incidents, pending the arrival of the Emergency Response Unit. The operational procedures for the Units are matters for the Garda Commissioner.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that under the procedures laid down, RSU members will operate in regular Garda uniform and in marked Garda vehicles. Where appropriate, RSUs will have the capacity to respond with firearms and less lethal devices and in armed response mode will wear apparel appropriate to that role.