Gardai seek more armed officers and better training

There should be more armed gardaí on the streets to combat the increase in gun crime, the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeant and Inspectors (AGSI) heard today.

While more than 3,000 officers were given permission to carry guns last year, Padraig Tully of the Longford/Westmeath division said firearms authorisations dropped by 30 per cent last year, and by as much as 50 per cent in some divisions.

"What this means is that armed gardai, when required are not available. Detective units are finding it increasingly difficult to mount operations such as searches," he said.

Mr Tully said the detectives who did have permission to carry guns - normally a .38 Smith and Wesson pistol or an Uzi sub-machine gun - were in short supply and often worked 16-hour days.

"In a time when there are more armed criminals out there, the current numbers simply aren't enough and they should not have been reduced."

AGSI general secretary Joe Dirwan supported the spirit of the motion but advocated reducing the numbers carrying firearms but increase the number of those with specialised training.

However, members voted in favour of a motion seeking more firearms certificates and more training courses for officers.

Members also approved a motion seeking more advanced driver training arguing the basic two-week car course did not provide the level of skill required for traffic patrolling.

Eddie Golden of Garda Headquarters said only a fraction of gardaí had completed advanced courses. He expressed further concern about the decision to deploy high-powered vehicles, despite a recommendation from Garda trainers that all drivers should be first undergo three-week courses.

The gravity of the issue for delegates was heightened after Mary Seavers (74) died after being struck by a patrol car in Dublin in May last year.

Members also supported a motion seeking improvements in new uniforms issued less than 12 months ago.

Iggy Larkin of the Donegal division said: "The Irish weather is inclement and the trousers don't stand up to abuse. The fleece jacket can't take any abuse and the fluorescent jacket is so weak, it's practically a disposable jacket. We have got a uniform we should not be proud of at the moment."

PA