Garda Sergeants and Inspectors have voted unanimously to demand the introduction of pepper spray to deal with violent suspects and prisoners.
The introduction of the spray was recommended by the Garda Inspectorate but the Garda Commissioner has still not adopted it.
Fachtna Murphy said the 'jury' was out on the issue.
However the final session of the AGSI conference heard that the Inspectorate was unequivocal in its support for the measure that was a key factor in the protection of officers.
Earlier AGSI called for new laws requiring pubs and nightclubs to install CCTV cameras on their premises.
The gardaí claim the cameras are vital to record evidence in relation to public order and violence.
Gardaí also say that the awarding of pub licences should be contingent on the premises having CCTV.
Delegates at the AGSI annual conference also heard a call for the establishment of a dedicated out-of-hours service for the care and welfare of children.
Gardaí say they often have to remove children to a place of safety but find they cannot contact social workers after 5pm or at weekends.
The conference this morning was addressed by the Assistant Commissioner Louis Harkin who outlined the new garda proposals for policing the country along county boundaries.
Delegates expressed concern that parts of some towns such as Athlone would be policed by Roscommon more than 30km away, and Waterford would be policed by Kilkenny.
