Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 5

Written Answers. - Firearms Regulations.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

146 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the regulations surrounding the sporting use of firearms, that is, pistols for international competitive target shooting having regard to the improved security situation and the existence of a properly constituted governing body, namely, the National Rifle and Pistol Association, which is willing to engage is discussions regarding appropriate controls similar to those pertaining in other European jurisdictions in view of the fact the number of sportsmen involved, who are all members of gun clubs, is limited and the current situation should not be allowed to continue. [17708/00]

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

The Firearms (Temporary Custody) Order, 1972, required all persons residing in the State, in the interest of public safety, to surrender to the Garda Síochána all pistols, revolvers and rifles of a calibre in excess of .22 and ammunition for same. On expiry of the Order, after one month, the Garda Síochána, in line with the Government decision, adopted a policy of not licensing these firearms. Following a further Government decision in 1993, this policy was relaxed to allow the licensing of bolt-action rifles up to .270 for deer hunting and culling and competitive target shooting.

I recently decided that a further review of the policy in this area would now be appropriate and accordingly my Department, in consultation with the Garda authorities, have commenced such a review.