Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of firing ranges available to gardaí for target practice; the number of times on average armed gardaí engage in target practice each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21593/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that a considerable investment in training facilities has been made over the past two years including the provision of two Modular Firearms ranges at the Garda College and in the Dublin Metropolitan region. These modular ranges are newly designed products that facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully managed environment which adheres to all range safety requirements.

Gardaí who are authorised to carry firearms are required to undergo a minimum of two live fire refresher training courses and one Firearms Automated Training System training course per annum. The Firearms Automated Training System is an automated judgmental training system, using firearms fitted with a laser and does not involve the discharge of ammunition.

In addition to the two Modular Firearms ranges and the Firearms Automated Training System there are eight Army Ranges currently available for use by Garda.