The main representative body for gardaí has said armed detectives should be retained until there are specialist firearms support units in every division. About 1,000 firearms authorisations have since been withdrawn as part of an ongoing programme to bring the garda firearms response in line with international best practice. The aim is to have the armed support units (ASUs), rather than armed detectives, act as the Garda’s primary firearms response throughout the State. Jim Mulligan, president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents some 13,000 rank-and-file gardaí, said there is still a need for armed detectives but that they should receive improved training. “GRA policy is that there should be an armed support unit in every division.

Source: The Irish Times September 30, 2020 18:20 UTC