The Justice Minister says she doesn't want Gardaí operating with one eye over their shoulder.
Helen McEntee has asked the Policing Authority to review how much force Gardaí can use when dealing with serious public order incidents following last week's riots in Dublin city centre.
She says it will consider what additional equipment and resources are needed. That could include access to the likes of the dog unit, stronger vehicles and non lethal equipment.
"I'm also asking them to look at and to provide clarity when it comes to using force. I do not want members of An Garda Síochána looking over their shoulder responding to these incidents where they feel that force is necessary" she said.
Minister McEntee wants officers to have "the confidence to respond in the way that they deem appropriate."
