Vol. 460 No. 3
449 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice her views on the use of fireworks; the plans, if any, she has to change the law in relation to their sale, purchase and use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1399/96]
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 only issued for organised public fireworks displays, conducted by professional operators, which have been approved in advance by both the Garda Síochána and the local fire officer.
It is clear, however, that despite these legal restrictions, fireworks continue to be imported and to be used illegally, especially at Hallowe'en. Because of the dangers posed by the unlawful use of fireworks, the Garda Síochána have with a great deal of success, always taken strong measures, to cut off the supply of illegally imported fireworks and to prevent their use. I am satisfied that the law does not need changing and that the best approach to the fireworks problem is to continue and, where possible, intensify Garda preventative measures.
