Written answers

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Garda Data

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

739. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times members of An Garda Síochána discharged a firearm during the course of their duty in 2019 and 2020; and the number of times persons sustained gunshot injuries in 2020. [1922/21]

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

740. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times members of An Garda Síochána used pepper spray in the course of their work in 2019 and 2020; and the breakdown of the use of pepper spray in 2020, by county. [1923/21]

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

741. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times members of An Garda Síochána used tasers in the course of their work in 2019 and 2020; and the breakdown on the use of tasers in 2020, by county. [1924/21]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 739 to 741, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will appreciate that the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána. I, as Minister, have no direct role in these matters.

An Garda Síochána have supplied me with the figures in the below table with regard to the use of OC ('pepper') spray, tasers and firearms by members of An Garda Síochána during the year 2020.

I have also requested information from the Garda Commissioner with regard to the year 2019 and the number of times persons sustained gunshot injuries in 2020, however it was unfortunately not possible to compile it in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly with the information requested, when it is available.

It should also be noted that figures for the use of Firearm includes the 40mm launcher used by the Armed Support Units, which is a non-lethal weapon.

2020 OC Spray Taser Firearm
Jan-20 107 0 0
Feb-20 62 1 0
Mar-20 73 0 3
Apr-20 73 2 2
May-20 89 4 3
Jun-20 72 4 1
Jul-20 76 4 5
Aug-20 80 5 1
Sep-20 79 5 0
Oct-20 54 4 0
Nov-20 55 2 1
Dec-20 87 3 1
Total 907 34 17

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.