No specific training for gardai in such situations

THE sort of situation which arose in Galway is not covered specifically in Garda training, according to the Garda Press Office.

"Our general training gives us an air of confidence and a way of talking to people," a spokesman said.

Trying to talk people out of situations in which they are making matters worse for themselves is something in which gardai gain experience, he said.

But the Galway situation was unique in that the man was on a building site and on top of a very high crane.

Some gardai are trained in talking people out of hostage situations, the spokesman said.