Vol. 397 No. 9
38 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to review the firearms legislation, having regard to the fact that a firearms certificate may issue under present legislation to persons of 16 years of age, without the requirement that an applicant be able to show any expertise, experience or training in the use of such firearms.
Under the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1971, the authority to grant or refuse to grant a firearm certificate to any person resident in the State is vested in the local superintendent of the garda district where the person resides. The Garda authorities have informed me that the provisions of the Acts which cover the conditions for the grant of firearm certificates are deemed to be adequate. I understand that applications from persons in the 16 to 21 age group are very carefully examined and that many such applications are in fact refused. In the circumstances, I do not see that a change in the present arrangements is called for.
