Gardai insist they must be allowed to continue to use anti-spit hoods to protect themselves during the pandemic.
It's after the Policing Authority criticised the continued use of them, especially on children and people with mental health issues.
Gardai have been spat or coughed at 192 times since April, and anti-spit hoods have been used 104 times.
The Garda Representative Association, says they're only used when absolutely necessary.
