Review of Garda siege tactics proves value of Barr investigation
Issued : Tuesday 6 March, 2007
Labour Party Spokesperson on Justice, Brendan Howlin TD, has given a general
welcome to the review of Garda practices and procedures for Barricade Incidents
arising from the Garda Inspectorate's examination of the Barr Report.
Deputy Howlin described the recommendations as "a significant package of measures to improve how the Gardai handle crisis situations such as ended in the tragic shooting of John Carthy in Abbeylara almost seven years ago.
"The tragic events at Abbeylara that led to the death of John Carthy could not have been predicted. But better training and preparedness for crisis situations, including how to deal with those suffering from psychiatric conditions, may have resulted in a different outcome to the siege.
"Today's review of Garda practices and procedures for such incidents, from the Head of the Garda Inspectorate Kathleen O'Toole, are a vindication of the Justice Barr's investigation, report, and his own conclusions.
"They are not an end in themselves. Specifically, the whole area of firearms licensing is still to be dealt with, while the FBI's relationship with the Gardai (they initially gave a clean bill of health to the Gardai's handling of the incident) has yet to be addressed.
"However, the recommendations regarding procedures, communications, and logistics for Gardai dealing with such situations, specific protocols for crisis management, and the development of clear command structures, must be both welcomed and swiftly implemented.
"In doing so, the public will be assured that lengthy and expensive public tribunals and investigations can achieve substantial change, and that incidents such as Abbeylara can be dealt with more professionally - perhaps avoiding tragic conclusions - in the future."
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