Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Firearms Certificates.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

772 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the statement carried in a shooting magazine (details supplied) of December 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1546/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue):

Under the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1990, the power to grant or to refuse to grant a firearm certificate to any person resident in the State is vested in the local superintendent of the Garda district where the person resides. I have no statutory function in this matter. The superintendent, as issuing authority in the district in which the applicant resides, has to be satisfied that all the requirements of the Firearms Act 1925 have been complied with and can stipulate whatever security arrangements he deems necessary.

Each year there is a number of crimes involving the larceny of licensed firearms. In the light of this, the security of licensed firearms throughout the country is continuously reviewed by An Garda Síochána. Where necessary, applicants may be required to update existing security measures or put in place new security measures to guard against possible theft of their firearms. I am informed by the Garda authorities that every effort is made to process applications expeditiously.