Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 3

Written Answers. - Storage of Firearms.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

27 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new regulations being imposed with regard to the storage of firearms by the licensed holders of firearms; the consideration given to the fact that these regulations may make the whereabouts of firearms more readily discoverable by burglars; the authority under which these new arrangements are being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20754/00]

Alan Shatter

Question:

125 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new regulations being imposed with regard to the storage of firearms by the licensed holders of firearms; the consideration given to the fact that these regulations may make the whereabouts of firearms more readily discoverable by burglars; the authority under which these new arrangements are being introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20776/00]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 125 together.

In accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2000, it is not lawful for any person, with some exceptions such as firearms dealers, to have in his or her possession, use or carry a firearm unless such possession is authorised by a firearm certificate granted under the Acts.

The power to grant or refuse to grant a firearm certificate to any person resident in the State is vested in the superintendent of the Garda district where the person resides. One of the conditions for the granting of a firearm certificate is that the superintendent shall be satisfied that the applicant can be permitted to have the firearm in his or her possession without danger to the public safety or to the peace. I have no statutory function in this matter .

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that, arising from the Garda Síochána's duty of care towards members of the public, the new firearm storage requirements have been put in place by the Garda Síochána solely to increase public safety .

I have also been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the new requirements were challenged recently in the High Court by way of an application for judicial review. I understand that it is expected that the hearing of the judicial review will take place before the end of the year. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

Question No. 28 taken with Question No. 9.