GRA demands gardaí be given back Uzis and ballistic shields

Gardaí are to demand that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission reveals what personal data it retains on individual members of the force.

As part of a no-confidence motion at its annual conference, rank-and-file members of the force will also question if the retention and storage of such data is in breach of the Data Protection Acts.

With violent attacks on the rise, gardaí also want the reinstatement of the Uzi submachine gun or an equivalent firearm, and the introduction of ballistic shields for all gardaí who attend armed incidents.