No plans to arm rank and file Gardai - Justice Minister Heather Humphreys

The Justice Minister insists there are no plans to arm rank and file Gardai.

However, Heather Humphreys says the government would consider arming more members of the force if the Garda Commissioner requested it.

There has been criticism from the opposition to remarks made by Leo Varadkar over the weekend, who said he would support fully arming the force.

Justice Minister Heather Humphreys says taking such a step would have to be at the request of Commissioner Drew Harris.