Gardaí are to be issued with pepper spray canisters to enable them to deal with the increasing number of attacks on unarmed officers.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern announced that the Government has sanctioned the supply of the less-than-lethal weapon to all uniformed and unarmed gardaí.
The decision was taken following approval by Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy.
It was originally recommended by the Garda Inspectorate Kathleen O'Toole following her consideration of the Barr Tribunal Report.
It follows concerns about the safety of unarmed uniformed gardaí who are usually first to respond to violent or critical incidents.
The number of attacks on unarmed gardaí doubled between 2005 and 2007 and Ms O'Toole recommended they be supplied with pepper spray.
Commissioner Murphy agreed and Mr Ahern sanctioned the measure following Cabinet approval.
He announced that all unarmed gardaí will, as soon as possible, be issued with the aerosol-type can that will spray a liquid containing chilli-pepper.
The cost of the measure is estimated at around €250,000 and will come from the garda budget.
