Vol. 572 No. 2
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if restrictions can be made on the use of fireworks as opposed to the purchase of same; if he will consider making areas of high population fireworks free zones for health and safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22694/03]
I wish to inform the Deputy that in accordance with the Explosives Act 1875, my Department has responsibility for the importation, transportation and storage of explosives including fireworks. Consequently in order to import fireworks an importation licence granted by my Department is required. It is a long standing policy that these importation licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by professional and experienced operators. Prior to the granting of an importation licence, my Department consults with the relevant local authority and the Garda Síochána to establish if there are any objections to the granting of a licence. Indeed, the relevant local authority and the Garda Síochána are empowered by statute to prevent any organised display from proceeding if, in the opinion of either authority, it is not safe to do so. Importation licences are not granted to import fireworks for sale.
