Frontline, uniformed Gardaí could begin using taser guns within weeks under a proposal being brought to Cabinet by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan. 

If approved, the devices could be distributed to various parts of Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny over Christmas as a trial period.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, former General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, Antoinette Cunningham, described the proposal as “a significant cultural shift” for An Garda Síochána.

“Ireland has long and traditionally prided itself on being an unarmed police force,” she said, emphasising that the proposal, if passed, would not represent a national rollout but a targeted trial in certain areas.

Cunningham noted that the trial offers an opportunity to observe whether tasers are necessary on the frontline.

“Once it’s in use, you can look at it and see, is it necessary?

Is it something that is needed?” she said.

She added that questions of oversight and accountability would be of utmost importance in assessing whether stun guns should become standard equipment or remain restricted to specialist Garda units.

Recent high-risk incidents faced by Gardaí highlight why the trial is being considered, Cunningham suggested.

“We’ve seen some very difficult situations over the last few years for An Garda Síochána to police and manage,” she said.

The Garda Public Order Unit on O'Connell Street and Parnell Street in Dublin, 23-11-2023. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

While cautious about the move, she expressed confidence that strict controls would be put in place if tasers are introduced.

“[It's] not something that can be taken lightly,” she said.

 “There will be strong regulation around the use of tasers, a lot of oversight, and very strong policy and training on how they would be used.”

Cunningham acknowledged that advocacy groups are likely to raise concerns about adding “less-lethal” weapons to policing, stressing the need for rigorous safeguards.

“For society generally, it should be taken seriously and be subject to tight transparency and oversight,” she said.

The Cabinet is expected to discuss the proposal later today.

Written by Annemarie Roberts