Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Dec 1995

Vol. 459 No. 8

Written Answers. - Firearm Crimes.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

24 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the total number of crimes involving the use of firearms in the first six months of 1995; the proposals, if any, she has to further limit the availability of guns, to increase the penalties for the illegal possession and use of firearms and to establish a databank containing the relevant details of all legally imported and held firearms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18907/95]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 582 crimes were committed in 1994 involving firearms. This represents a decrease of 20 per cent on the 1993 figure of 723. Figures for 1995 are not yet available but I understand from the Garda authorities that the indications are that there has been a further decrease of the order of 10 per cent in 1995.

Under the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1990, the power to grant a firearm certificate to a 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 operating satisfactorily and that thorough inquiries are made in relation to all applicants. In the circumstances, I do not see that there is a need to change the present arrangements.

The penalties in the Acts, which were revised by the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act, 1976 and the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, include, for some offences, imprisonment for life and for other offences, imprisonment for up to 14 years. They are considered satisfactory by the Garda authorities and I have no proposals before me to change them at this time.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that any information which comes to their attention in relation to the existence of illegally held firearms and ammunition is thoroughly investigated. Where such weapons and ammunition are found they are seized, and where appropriate the matter is brought to the attention of the Director of Public Prosecutions. In this connection, the Deputy may wish to note that substantial quantities of illegally held firearms and ammunition were seized by the Garda in 1994.
As regards the establishment of a databank of firearms, relevant details of all legally imported or held firearms by persons resident in the State are already kept on computer by the Garda authorities.
Top
Share