asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the result of the Garda report submitted to the Attorney General in relation to stun guns.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Stun Guns.
7.
The law officers have advised that it is not certain that stun guns are prohibited weapons within the meaning of the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1971.
I share the concern of the Deputy and that of other Deputies in relation to the availability of stun guns. I hope to introduce legislation to deal with this matter shortly.
I chased the Minister long enough on this issue.
I do not know which of us raised it first.
The Minister should get rid of an awful lot of other offensive weapons by way of that legislation.
Could the Minister tell me approximately when the Attorney General received the Garda report?
I have not got the exact date. However, I should say that on 27 September 1988, the Government authorised me to arrange for the drafting of a Bill to amend the Firearms Acts, to prohibit the use of stun guns and to control the availability and possession of offensive weapons. Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage and should be completed shortly. I have not got the exact date the Deputy sought.
I am glad to hear the Minister is introducing the legislation he has mentioned. Would he consider including in that Bill a provision to outlaw in the strictest possible way the carrying of knives?
That is a separate matter.
To reply briefly to that question, I should say that my proposals will deal with offensive weapons generally. It would not be appropriate for me to discuss details of the proposed legislation in advance of Government approval of the Bill.
Would the Minister agree with me that a knife is the most objectionable type of weapon, in certain circumstances, more objectionable than a gun because somebody can be savaged by its use?
The subject matter of this question is stun guns.
In reply to Deputy Fitzpatrick I should say that I look forward to a constructive debate on this Bill when it is introduced in the House. By way of seeking the help of the House when this legislation is before it — when there may be difficulties for us all in achieving what we want — I would welcome any helpful advice forthcoming from all parties to help us get this legislation on the Statute Book as early as possible.
My party are on record as offering the Minister all the help available.
I should say that Deputy Barrett has been more than helpful in a personal way in this House for the good of the community generally. I acknowledged that, as have Deputies Taylor, Colley and others at times, some more generously than others. I am sure Deputy Taylor will not take offence if I put that on the record.
Seeing I am the Opposition.