Liz McManus
Question:208 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice the efforts, if any, being made to ensure that fireworks are not sold to children. [615/94]
Written Answers. - Sale of Fireworks.
Under the Explosives Act, 1875, a licence is required to be issued by my Department for the importation of fireworks. It is long-standing policy that such licences are issued only for organised public displays conducted by professional operators.
Despite this restriction, it is clear that supplies of fireworks continue to be imported illegally into the country, particularly around this time each year. The Garda authorities are aware of the problems posed by this illegal trade and take measures to counteract these problems. These include:— the setting up of a special Garda Unit in Dublin to combat the sale/distribution of illegally imported fireworks; the deployment of personnel to known trouble areas to deal specifically with the problem; liaison with local authorities and the fire brigade service; and warnings on the dangers connected with fires and fireworks which are broadcast on all local radio stations on the days leading up to Halloween.
Moreover, the Garda authorities monitor the supply and storage of fireworks. Significant seizures are made each year as a result of their vigilance. In 1993, for example, illegally imported fireworks valued at approximately £116,000 were confiscated by the gardaí over the Halloween period, and subsequently destroyed. Significant seizures have already been made this year.
I am confident that the Garda will take all necessary measures to deal with any problem occurring this year, to ensure, as far as possible, that fireworks which are illegally imported do not find their way onto the streets, and into the hands of children in particular.