asked the Minister for Justice why firearms and ammunition were removed without prior notice or explanation from the custody of a person (name supplied) who is a firearms dealer for the past 24 years; and if he is aware that the action taken by the authorities was damaging to his business and his character.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Firearms Removal.
47.
(Cavan): The current certificate of registration as a firearms dealer in respect of the person in question relates to premises which he sold early this year.
The premises to which he moved and in which he proposes to carry on the business of firearms dealer did not meet the standards of security required by the Garda who did not regard them as being suitable for the business of firearms dealer as provided in the Firearms Act, 1925. In the circumstances the Garda had no option but to insist that the firearms and ammunition be stored in some secure place until such time as the security arrangements in the premises are adequate. There is no question of any reflection on the person's character.
I understand that security arrangements which have since been made are regarded by the Garda as satisfactory. A certificate of registration relating to the new premises is being issued by my Department and the firearms and ammunition are being returned.
Is the Minister aware that the ammunition and guns were removed without prior notice to the person concerned?
(Cavan): I am not so aware, but I could understand their being removed without much notice if they were stored in an insecure place, as appears to be the position.
In fact, no notice was given.
The Deputy is making a statement and this is not in order.
Is the Minister aware that no notice was given? It happened the person concerned was not in the house at the time: when he came back he found the gardí had come in and removed the ammunition.
(Cavan): The information available to me indicates that the gardaí were in touch with the person concerned at least some days before the ammunition was removed and had discussed the adequacy or otherwise of the security arrangements. They came back later and removed the material.
Was there a danger that bags of these guns would find their way across the Border by some elements on the other side of the House?
(Interruptions)
Galway creep.
I am calling Question No. 48.