asked the Minister for Justice the reason for the inordinate delay in the issuing of firearms certificates; if he has any plans for shortening this period, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Firearms Certificates.
803.
Limerick East): Certificates for firearms are processed and issued by the Garda Síochána. I am informed by the Garda authorities that renewal certificates are normally processed and despatched within 14 days of receipt of the applications at Garda headquarters.
Procedures for the issue of certificates in respect of first time applicants are more protracted as, first, the Garda have to satisfy themselves as to the applicant's fitness to hold a firearm certificate and, secondly, the details have to be entered on computer records.
The procedures for the issue of firearm certificates are being reviewed at present.