It is believed the man was tased by members of an armed garda unit that responded to the scene.

Police Federation for Northern Ireland chief Liam Kelly said he wants to see officers able to better protect themselves.

Acting deputy commissioner for security, Paul Cleary, said tasers will only be used where there is a 'clear, immediate threat' that cannot be managed in any safer way.

A new pilot will see tasers issued to 128 frontline uniformed gardaí

If approved, the plan would be introduced in three garda divisions to start.