Written answer
An Garda Síochána
No stinger courses were held in Waterford-Kilkenny during 2025 or 2026 to date; 92 members were previously trained, with two new instructors qualified in June 2026.
934. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of stinger courses held for gardaí within Waterford-Kilkenny division in 2025 and to date in 2026; and the number of gardaí that participated in each of those courses, in tabular form. [65420/26]
Comment on this
The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This includes responsibility for the recruitment and training of Garda personnel. The Commissioner is independent in the exercise of his functions under section 34 of the Act.
I am informed by An Garda Síochána that no stinger courses were held within the Waterford-Kilkenny Division during 2025 or to date in 2026. Accordingly, no Garda members participated in such courses during the period in question.
I am further informed by An Garda Síochána that 92 members of the Waterford-Kilkenny Division have been trained in the use of the Stinger Stopping Device prior to 2025. In addition, two trainers completed Stinger instructor training in June 2026 and are expected to commence delivering training within the Division across the remainder of 2026.