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.