Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2025
635. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide a schedule of the number of instances in which a Garda has utilised their telescopic baton; has utilised incapacitant spray; has utilised non-lethal ballistics and or taser use; and has discharged a firearm in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025. [33996/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána's human rights based approach to policing provides general guidance to Garda members and Garda staff on how human rights are to be observed in the course of their work.
Additionally, as outlined in the Garda Public Order policy, it is the aim of An Garda Síochána to uphold and protect the human and constitutional rights of everyone by providing a high quality, effective policing service in partnership with the community and in co-operation with other agencies.
In carrying out their duties, members of An Garda Síochána must, as far as practicable and in so far as the circumstances dictate, consider non-physical means before resorting to the use of force in the resolution of public order incidents.
For the Deputy’s information, detailed statistics relating to the Use of Force are published, by mont and year, on the Garda website at the following link: Use of Force Statistics 2024 - Garda (www.garda.ie/en/information-centre/statistics/use-of-force-statistics-2024.html)
As is the case with all operational policing matters, the Garda authorities are responsible for the maintenance of public order. I am informed by Garda management that their approach to policing public order is predicated on keeping people safe, preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour, and the management of traffic. We must rely on Garda operational management and frontline Gardaí to use their discretion and judgment.
For the Deputy’s information, a monthly breakdown of use of force is also published in the Commissioner’s Report to the Policing and Community Safety Authority, available at the following link:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-and-community-safety-authority/.
Previous reports to the Policing Authority are also available at:
www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/general-reports/commissioner-s-monthly-reports-to-policing-authority-pre-2-april-2025-/.
