Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has appointed a senior officer to oversee the implementation of 84 recommendations contained in the Garda Inspectorate's first full report.
Assistant Commissioner Nacie Rice, who is presently in charge of the Garda's crime and security section, will chair an expert group charged with implementing the report's ambitious set of recommendations.
The report follows a major review by the inspectorate of the findings of the Barr tribunal on the Garda's shooting dead of John Carthy. He was shot outside his Abbeylara home in Co Longford on April 20th, 2000, following a 25-hour armed stand-off.
Although the report focuses heavily on enhanced training and resourcing for armed sieges, it also makes recommendations on the Garda's preparedness to handle all armed situations.
These relate to training, protocols and resourcing across An Garda Síochána.
In response to the debate on the handling by commanding officers of the Abbeylara siege, the inspectorate acknowledges valuable changes have been made by the Garda since John Carthy's killing.
However, it notes there are no selection criteria for the new on-scene commander course, adding "participant appraisals are insufficiently robust".
It further points out that "there is no absolute requirement that actual on-scene commanders be designated from a roster of those who have successfully completed the course".
The inspectorate says the new on-scene commander manual of guidance is a valuable document but should be constantly updated, particularly after sieges where a shooting occurs.
After such cases all firearms used, Garda logs, photographs and any other evidence should be immediately impounded, which did not happen at Abbeylara.
It recommends the introduction of a transparent selection process for officers at the rank of superintendent or higher to qualify for the advanced five-day scene commander course.
A panel of 30 officers who have completed the course is to be drawn up.
All scene commanders should be relieved after between eight and 12 hours on duty, with the new commander fully briefed by the member going off duty.
All assistant commissioners and regional officers should undergo the same training as the 30 scene commander panellists.
The inspectorate has also called for the establishment of similar panels of trained negotiators and mental health experts, who could advise scene commanders during sieges.
However, it cautioned against allowing these, or other third parties such as family members, to communicate directly with the person at the centre of the siege, saying such interventions can often inflame a situation.
The head of the inspectorate, Chief Insp Kathleen O'Toole, has said she is most concerned for the safety of rank-and-file officers who are first at the scene of an armed siege.
Against the background of increased gun crime in the Republic, she has recommended these members should be given scenario-based training on how to handle armed situations.
"We're not saying that they should carry weapons full-time but they should have the appropriate training," Ms O'Toole said.
Members, many of whom will be arriving at an armed siege for the first time, should also be provided with clear protocols and personal safety policies.
She has prioritised a number of recommendations relating to necessary equipment for such gardaí. These include:
Greater availability of lethal and less than lethal weapons, bullet-proof vests and shields and a review of the number of members trained to use firearms.
New shooting ranges and electronic shooting aids should be acquired for training.
The speedy roll-out of the long-mooted new Garda digital radio system and proper communications equipment to be issued to all members. A senior officer should be given specific responsibility for this project.
The acquisition of armoured rescue vehicles for all regions and command vehicles which would act as comfortable and properly equipped command posts on wheels.
The inspectorate pointed out that the conclusion of most sieges long before specialist units arrived underlined the need for those first to the scene to be properly trained and equipped.
It noted that the ERU attended at the scene of just 10 of the 73 siege or barricade incidents between 2000 and 2006. Because of this it has recommended the establishment of a second-tier response unit which could police an incident pending the arrival of the ERU.
It is proposed that members of the public order units around the State could double as second-tier response units once they are given training in tactics and the handling of lethal weapons.
