We are now in public session. The first petition is Petition No. P00045/2017. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the reply from the Department of Justice and Equality to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed.
Decisions on Public Petitions Received
As a matter of public information, could we ask that an amnesty be considered by Government? I know it was 2006 but public information awareness about the misuse of weapons, guns and illegal firearms could be provided. It might be worth considering.
Is Senator Buttimer proposing a practical solution?
I am not proposing a practical solution. I am looking for it to be considered. I know we do not have the full benefit of all the information here but given that the previous amnesty, which allowed for the surrender of significant numbers of firearms and offensive weapons, was a decade ago, would it be timely for An Garda Síochána and the Department to give that consideration?
If a suggestion is coming from the Senator to the effect of communicating with the Minister for Justice and Equality seeking a direction on the point just made by the Senator, I would suggest that the secretariat do that if that is acceptable to the Senator.
Agreed.
The next petition is Petition No. P00009/18. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the reply from the Department of Justice and Equality to the petitioner and close the petition. Is that agreed? Agreed. The final petition for consideration is Petition No. P00032/18. It is proposed that we forward a copy of the response from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the petitioner and close the petition? Is that agreed? Agreed.