Reacting to this morning’s announcement that pepper spray weapons will be piloted in operational use by Gardaí, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has insisted that any Garda issued with such weapons be properly trained in their use, and that the health effects of any such weapons be fully tested prior to their introduction.
Speaking this morning, ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly stated:
“Pepper spray weapons – including their active ingredients and their chemical solvents and propellants – can have damaging short and long-term effects on a number of bodily systems and functions.”
“These weapons are particularly dangerous if used against people whose health is impaired or on young people” he said.