Vol. 433 No. 6
74 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice if she will examine the position regarding the licensing of paint marking rifles (details supplied); if she will consider these rifles in a sporting context; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The weapons used in paintball games are considered to be firearms within the meaning of the Firearms Act 1925 to 1990. Consequently the licensing of paint marking rifles is a matter for the local Garda Superintendent. Provided certain conditions are fulfilled by the applicant the Superintendent issues an Authorisation under section 2 of the Firearms Act, 1925 as amended by section 15 of the Firearms Act, 1964. These conditions include the following:—
(1)a rifle club or other gun club must be involved,
(2)the proposed site where the weapons are to be used must be approved,
(3)the Superintendent would have to be satisfied that the possession, use or carriage of the firearm/ammunition in pursuance of an authorisation would not endanger the public safety or the peace,
(4)in the interests of public safety there would have to be special provision made for the storage of the weapons.
In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy the conditions were not fulfilled, as a club was not involved and consequently an authorisation could not be granted. At present, for security reasons, it is policy not to issue firearm certificates in respect of paint marking rifles to individuals.
