asked the Minister for Justice the current situation as to the use of spiked chains by the Garda in pursuit of car thieves.

Sets of spiked chains have been issued to the Garda as one of the measures taken during 1985 to deal with the problem of so-called "joy-riding". I am informed by the Garda authorities that, so far, situations have not arisen which would warrant the use of the chains.

Could the Minister amplify the circumstances in which the spikes have not been used? Are they to do with insurance or the fact that the spikes have not been properly tested and might be a danger to people in the vicinity?

The use of spiked chains in itself is inherently dangerous to other road users. Because of that, the advice of the Attorney General was sought as to the use of these implements before they were issued to the force. The Attorney General issued guidelines on the matter and they are very restrictive guidelines. They are restrictive because, as I said, the use of these chains can constitute a danger to other road users. The effect of these chains is to take away effectively the control of a vehicle which may be travelling at a very high speed. Therefore the circumstances in which they can be used without creating unwarranted danger to other road users are very restricted.

The Minister said the guidelines were issued by the Attorney General. Were they available before the spiked chains were issued to the Garda? Secondly, is the Minister admitting now that it was wrong to give them?

On the last part, no. The guidelines were drawn up and were communicated to the force before the chains were issued to them. I might add that it is a matter which I have discussed with the Garda Representative Association because of their concern with it. I am saying to the House that in any circumstances in which the spiked chains are used we must make sure that innocent bystanders are not put in danger.

Have these chains been used in any situation to date?

No.

Not at all?