The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is calling for the Uzi submachine gun to be re-issued to all detectives. The weapon has been withdrawn from service and replaced with handguns for all units outside of Dublin.
A member of the AGSI National Executive claims that the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe might have been prevented if he was armed with an Uzi submachine gun. The father of two was shot dead during a robbery at the Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth in January.
Inspector Walter Kilcullen says the Uzi always proved a great deterrent to criminals in the past.
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The Association also says it could not countenance any more cuts to the pay and allowances of its members. Motions on the new Croke Park Agreement will be debated by delegates today at the AGSI annual conference in Sligo.
The middle-ranking Garda representative body will also discuss station closures, transport and morale.
The Justice Minister has meanwhile asked the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan to address any misuse of the Pulse computer system. Alan Shatter says it should not be used as some sort of social network to be viewed out of curiosity by members of the force.
