Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 7

Written Answers. - Return of Revolver.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

76 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice if she will sanction the return of a deactivated revolver belonging to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 in view of the fact that this item is considered a family heirloom and was surrendered under the Firearms (Temporary Custody) Order, 1972; whether the ongoing peace process now allows this item to be returned under a provision of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11526/95]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The Deputy is aware from correspondence with my predecessor that under existing Government policy the Garda authorities are not authorised to issue firearms certificates to persons wishing to hold pistols or revolvers. There is a provision in the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, which allows a superintendent of the Garda Síochána to issue, in certain circumstances, an authorisation to a person wishing to hold a deactivated firearm. However, legal advice available to my Department is to the effect that at the time when an authorisation is sought the firearm in question must be defective.

I have brought the case referred to by the Deputy to the attention of the Garda authorities and requested a report indicating whether or not they consider that the weapon is deactivated, and I will communicate with the Deputy when I have this information to hand.