Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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253. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans for the reinstatement of the Uzi submachine gun for armed Garda units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17418/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, 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I understand from the Garda authorities that the Uzi sub-machine gun was withdrawn from general service in An Garda Síochána in 2012.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 and am I advised there are currently no plans to reinstate the UZI sub machine gun for armed Garda Units where it has been withdrawn.

In view of the nature of the functions involved, it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on the deployment of Garda resources in this area. However, the Garda authorities are satisfied that the current arrangements in place meet their operational requirements.