asked the Minister for Justice if there has been an increase in the number of gun licences applied for or issued during the last six months in (a) rural areas; and (b) the whole country; and the number of applications received for each for the last six months for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - Gun Licences.
721.
Limerick East): I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information is not available under the headings requested and could only be compiled by diverting Garda manpower from other more pressing duties.
The Garda authorities state that the total number of certificates issued to residents of the State in respect of shotguns and rifles in the current licensing year, i.e. 1 August 1984 to date is 174,239. The figures for the licensing year 1982-83 and 1983-84 were 172,959 and 170,996 respectively.