Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances, on foot of reports that members of An Garda Síochána are to be equipped with pepper spray, under which his Department and the Garda Commissioner propose such spray may be used; and the research he and his Department have undertaken as to the use of such sprays in other jurisdictions with particular reference to long-term health problems experienced by those who have had such sprays used on them. [37649/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Following consultation with my cabinet colleagues, I recently approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of An Garda Síochána. Prior to making his proposal to me, the Garda Commissioner established a Working Group to examine all aspects of the matter. The Working Group examined the impact that the introduction of such sprays has had in other jurisdictions and concluded that their introduction has been a factor in reducing assaults on and injuries to police officers. It was also found that there was a reduction in the number of injuries to suspects and complaints made against officers.

With regards to health and safety issues, the Working Group consulted with the Garda Chief Medical Officer, who, in conjunction with other medical specialists, studied extensive material available from other jurisdictions where incapacitant sprays have been used for a number of years. Prior to deployment, appropriate policy, training and medical guidance will be put in place and be re-visited on a periodic basis in light of experience and international developments in this area.