Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
305. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 19 March 2026, if he has received the relevant information from Garda authorities in order to have this PQ answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA response to Parliamentary Question No. 361 of 19 March 2026 was deferred pending relevant information from An Garda Síochána. A substantive reply issued to the Deputy on the 17 April 2026.
For ease of reference, the information provided in that reply is set out below.
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which includes the distribution and use of Garda equipment throughout the State.
An Garda Síochána have provided the following table which provides a breakdown of the number of times the Garda Water cannon was requested in 2025 and to date in 2026.
|
Year |
Requested |
|
2025 |
8 |
|
2026 |
0 |
It should be noted that the use of Water Cannons is one of a number of tactical options available to members of An Garda Síochána and any decision to deploy or use the Water Cannon is made using the Garda Decision Making Model (GDMM). Any use of force taken must also comply with the fundamental principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability and is applied in a non-discriminatory manner.
