Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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206. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to provide funding to An Garda Síochána for the reissue of the uzi submachine gun to armed Garda units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23513/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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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 context 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.

In view of the nature of the functions involved, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the firearms that are used by Garda personnel. However, I can assure the Deputy that the armed capability of Garda members is kept under on-going review by the Garda authorities.