Gardaí take flak over weapons conference

A Garda working group looking at the use of less than lethal weapons is coming under fire for its planned participation in an international conference, due to take place in Dublin next week.

The conference will be attended by weapons manufacturers as well as representatives from other police forces, such as the LAPD.

Anti-war, human rights and political groups say the use of plastic bullet, beanbag and Taser guns erode the right to peaceful protest and intimidate ordinary people.

Aisling Reidy of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties said the Garda recommendations on the use of such weapons here in Ireland should be subject to public scrutiny.