Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in respect of tactical training facilities in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40933/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Garda Authorities that as a result of accelerated recruitment, a new academic centre was constructed at the Garda College on the site of the Tactical Training Facility. I am advised by the Garda Authorities that a number of venues were utilised around the country for the delivery of tactical training and a premises has now been leased in the vicinity of the Garda College to provide an element of tactical training pending the development of more long term facilities at the proposed Dromard Site. In addition, the Garda Síochána have three Firearms Training Systems available to them. These are portable computer software generated virtual systems which uses real live specially adapted firearms and are currently in use by the Firearms Training Units attached to the Garda College and Garda Headquarters and at scheduled venues throughout the country.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to upgrade the firing range in the Phoenix Park for An Garda Síochána; when the firing range will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40934/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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There has been considerable investment in training facilities over the past two years including the provision of two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges at the Garda College and in the Dublin Metropolitan region. 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. 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.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that a feasibility study into the measures required to bring the firearms range located at Garda Headquarters up to the highest international standard has been carried out. This study is currently under consideration by the Garda Accommodation Programme Board in the context of the overall Garda accommodation strategy and priorities.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have received firearms training; the number who hold a licence to operate firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40935/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have requested the latest available statistics from the Commissioner and I will be in touch with the Deputy shortly.