Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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567. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if, in view of the decision to arm some members of An Garda Síochána with pistols, he is considering reissuing detectives and other gardaí with Uzi submachine guns, which they had in the past and which were taken away from them during this Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1103/14]

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 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 I understand from the Garda authorities that the Uzi sub-machine gun was withdrawn from general service in An Garda Síochána in 2012.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.