Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 38: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to non or less lethal weapons available to An Garda Síochána; the extent of such availability; and the extent of the training which is being provided in the use of such weapons. [46530/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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There are three types of less lethal weapons currently used by members of An Garda Síochána. They are conductive electric devices, beanbag (impact projectile) and incapacitant spray. These less lethal weapons are currently available for use by members of the Emergency Response Unit and the Regional Support Unit. I am advised by the Garda authorities that members receive initial training in the use of these less lethal weapons and that they are required to undergo refresher training three times a year.

Following consultation with my cabinet colleagues, I recently approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of the Garda Síochána. It is anticipated that, following a procurement process, the spray will be rolled out to the organisation on a Garda Divisional basis in conjunction with the requisite training programme.