asked the Minister for Justice the number of gun licences held in the country; and if he will give a breakdown of the gun types covered by the licences.
115.
Written Answers. - Gun Licences.
114.
asked the Minister for Justice the recognised number of gun club associations operating in the country at present; if he will give details of the gun licences held by the members of such associations and clubs; and if he has any proposals to deal with the format of renewing these gun licences.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of firearms certificates held by residents in the state is 170,721. The certificates are in respect of 134,091 shotguns, 36,618 rifles and 12 other weapons.
The Garda have no statistics of the number of gun clubs or associations in the country. Pursuant to section 2 (4) (d) of the Firearms Act, 1925, (as inserted by section 15 of the Firearms Act, 1964) a rifle or other gun club may be granted an authorisation, the effect of which is to exempt a member of the club from the need to possess a firearm certificate for the use of a firearm while engaged as a member of the club in a competition or target practice at a range or other place authorised under the section. There are no statistics available of the number of authorisations that have been granted or of the number of members of clubs who possess firearm certificates entitling them to use firearms otherwise than in accordance with such authorisations.
As I stated in reply to Question No. 803 of 31 May 1983, the procedures for the issue of firearms certificates are being reviewed at present.