Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views regarding the adequacy of resources and infrastructure to ensure that the 3,386 members of An Garda Síochána who are licensed to carry firearms are in receipt of sufficient training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27148/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are sufficient resources and infrastructures in place to provide training for members of the Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry Firearms Authorisation Cards. Cardholders are required to attend for refresher training three times per year which is significantly more than the average international policing standards.

There has been considerable investment in training facilities over the past two years and I am informed by An Garda Síochána that two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges have been installed and are operational at the Garda College and, more recently, at a new facility in Tallaght. These prefabricated ranges are newly designed products that facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully contained environment which adheres to all range safety requirements. In addition, three Firearms Automated Training Systems (FATS) units were introduced in January 2007. 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 throughout the country.

Garda firearms training and facilities are constantly reviewed to ensure sufficient and appropriate training is provided.