Vol. 483 No. 6
401 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will amend the Firearms Act, 1925 in order to introduce tighter restrictions on the use of firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21344/97]
I refer the Deputy to my replies to Questions Nos. 31, 41, 66, 75, 77, 88 and 102.
405 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the circumstances which led the gardaí, on 17 November 1997, to realise that there were problems associated with the extension of detention of five people by a District Court judge (details supplied); if he will confirm that contact was made with another District Court judge on that day, who was not assigned, which led the gardaí to realise their error in using this judge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/97]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 17 November 1997, due to developments in an unrelated case and conversations with other judges, chief superintendent Carty became aware that there seemed to be some doubt as to whether judges had been nominated by the President of the District Court for the purpose of section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. Chief superintendent Carty contacted the judge in question that evening at the judge's home but was assured by him that there was no cause for concern.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that doubts continued to be expressed, however, and on Tuesday, shortly after midday, the Garda contacted the Director of Public Prosecutions to clarify the position.
