Gardaí have used Tasers on 125 occasions in the past five years, including in a significant number of cases involving severely mentally ill suspects. The figures suggest mental health crises are a factor in a significant number of Taser incidents. The figures for self-harm incidents are likely to be much higher, as gardaí are not obliged to report self-inflicted injuries to Gsoc. In 37 per cent of Taser incidents in the past five years, Gsoc was not notified within the required period. none of the incidents involving Garda use of the weapon resulted in significant injury, according to the data.

Source: The Irish Times September 30, 2020 00:00 UTC