'Taser' guns: only provided to members of the ERU

"Conducted energy devices", or "Taser" guns are provided only to members of the Garda's Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

The device has been available since September of last year to ERU members, who have been trained by the manufacturer of the Taser model X26 to the level of instructor, a Garda spokesman said. ERU members also have access to another type of "less lethal" beanbag weapon, which is used to temporarily disable a person.

A beanbag round was first used in October 2006 during an armed standoff at a house in Gort. Use of this type of weapon is also confined to members of the ERU.

Relevant officers - for example those in the ERU and public order units - also have access to Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Ferret "pepper" gas and canisters. These are typically used to flush people out of barricades and other standoff situations.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says it is awaiting a decision from the Garda Commissioner on whether "pepper" sprays are to be issued to all members of the force.The provision of the sprays to all gardaí was recommended in a report by the Garda Inspectorate last year.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times