Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will confirm that the Uzi personal defence weapon has been withdrawn from service in An Garda Síochána; the date when the decision to withdraw the weapon was taken; and the rationale for the decision. [16183/13]

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the consideration given to providing An Garda Síochána with a replacement personal defence weapon for the Uzi machine gun; and if cost considerations have prevented or delayed a decision on the matter. [16184/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 882 and 883 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the specific arrangements made by An Garda Síochána in relation to firearms are, as operational matters, dealt with by the Garda Commissioner. In that area the Commissioner determines the appropriate measures to be put in place, including the specific firearms to be deployed, without reference to either myself or my Department.

I understand from the Garda authorities that the Uzi sub-machine gun was withdrawn from general service in An Garda Síochána in 2012. This was done in the light of overall operational arrangements made in respect of the armed capability of the Force. In view of the nature of the functions involved, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on how the relevant Garda resources are deployed. However, the Garda authorities are satisfied that the current arrangements in place meet their operational requirements.