Members of the Garda Síochána, which patrols the Irish border, have called on the country's Minister for Justice and Garda management to supply them with automatic weapons in the event of a hard Brexit. Garda Brendan O’Connor said criminals "see us as we see ourselves – untrained, ill-equipped and not enough numbers". The Garda Representative Association has also requested body cameras and taser guns. A number of other organisations are calling for more armed police officers at ports and airports.
Members of the Garda Síochána, which patrols the Irish border, have called on the country's Minister for Justice and Garda management to supply them with automatic weapons in the event of a hard Brexit. Garda Brendan O’Connor said criminals "see us as we see ourselves – untrained, ill-equipped and not enough numbers". The Garda Representative Association has also requested body cameras and taser guns. Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said he supported the use of cameras, but tasers and firearms were down to the Garda Commissioner.