Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Mar 1991

Vol. 405 No. 9

Written Answers. - Paintball War Games.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

149 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the regulations governing the opening and operating of paintball war games and other war games; the number of war games sites which now exist in the country; and the level of supervision of these operations.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke):

The local superintendent of the Garda district may authorise the holding of paintball war games, and other similar games, under powers vested in him by section 2 of the Firearms Act, 1925, as amended by section 15 of the Firearms Act, 1964. To date, four locations have been authorised by the Garda authorities for the holding of such games; authorisations are required to be renewed annually but may be revoked by the Garda at any time if they consider that there are grounds for so doing.

In considering applications, a superintendent must have regard to the provisions of the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1990 and may impose such conditions as are considered necessary in the interests of public safety and security. These conditions may include specific requirements to ensure proper supervision of the games.

Samples of the equipment used are tested by the ballistics section of the Garda Síochána before importation licences are granted by the Department of Justice.

I understand from the Garda authorities that they are not aware of any complaints in relation to the holding of games at authorised sites.