Gardaí call for better training and equipment

SENIOR gardaí have urged immediate action on the recommendations of the Garda Inspectorate that members of the force be better equipped and trained to deal with incidents involving firearms.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) described the recommendations as “eminently sensible and practical”. “They should all be put in place right now,” the association’s general secretary Joe Dirwan said.

The Garda Inspectorate, which is headed by three former police officers from the US and Canada, and acts as official advisor on garda reform, this week made 84 recommendations to improve the force’s ability to deal with siege and hostage situations, arising from the Abbeylara tragedy in 2000.