An Garda Síochána is set to spend €4 million on ammunition for assault rifles, submachine guns and service pistols – with an initial order for more than 1.5 million rounds to be placed next month.

A senior garda who lost a court case after claiming he was penalised for making a protected disclosure has launched a High Court appeal.

Gardaí have carried out at least two controlled deliveries of firearms since 2007, in which they used Garda-held decommissioned weapons to catch people trying to import firearms, Garda figures show.