Mr Justice Robert Barr recommends that the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner should devise a revised command structure and scheme for dealing with siege situations. A brief summary of the proposals follow.
• the ERU commander, with a minimum rank of inspector, should have full responsibility for all tactical and negotiating decisions;
• the local district commander's command function should be limited to functions such the provision of ancillary services, the appointment of an officer to liaise with the ERU and the provision of equipment;
• local area superintendents should undergo refresher training as scene commanders for one week each year;
• senior ERU officers should go on refresher courses;
• Garda negotiators should attend courses of at least two weeks' duration which deal with siege situations;
• Garda recruits should be trained to deal with people with mental illness;
• a formal working arrangement should be established between gardaí and state psychologists;
• trained police dogs should be used in siege situations if required;
• the ERU should be equipped with Taser stun guns and other non-lethal options should be investigated; and
• sufficient specialist command vehicles should be provided for gardaí.