A review of the garda response to the rioting in Dublin last month has found there were communication failures on the night.
The Policing Authority has been told that garda commanders in the central control room could not communicate directly with members of the Public Order Unit responding to disturbances and looting because they did not have earpieces.
The review, carried out by Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary, has recommended that these be installed in garda helmets, and that loudhailers be supplied and the mobility app be improved.
He also said that only nine gardaí, 5% of those who responded to the review, said that they were not confident to use force on the night.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson confirmed that gardaí turned up to help police the riots in Dublin without being asked.
Asst Comm Richardson told the Policing Authority that members are by their very nature "proactive" and anxious to help colleagues in difficulty.
She said they volunteered without being asked, and so many did so that management had to ask many to hold back because by that time they had the situation under control.
The meeting comes following the earlier news that stronger incapacitant spray is to be made available to all gardaí next month.
An Garda Síochána said that 20,000 units have been initially ordered with more brought in if necessary.
It is one of a number of enhanced personal protection measures introduced for gardaí following the riots in Dublin last month.
The stronger type of pepper spray had only been previously available to the public order and armed units but is now to be issued to all frontline gardaí.
