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Firearms Registration.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004

Wednesday, 27 October 2004

Questions (200)

Trevor Sargent

Question:

303 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current policy of his Department with regard to the granting of importation licences under section 17 of the Firearms Act 1925; the way in which many such importation licences have been applied for since July 2004; and if these importation licences are required for individuals who have been issued with firearms certificates by the Garda Síochána, in view of section 21 of the Firearms Act 1964. [26291/04]

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Written answers

Section 17 of the Firearms Act 1925 deals with restrictions on the import of firearms, prohibited weapons and ammunition. My Department considers all applications for importation licences under section 17 on a case by case basis. Since July 2004, there have been 12 applications for importation licences under that section. Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1964 states: "The restriction imposed by section 17 of the Principal [1925] Act on the importation in to the State of firearms shall not apply in relation to the importation of a firearm by the holders of a firearm certificate in respect of the firearm which is in force". I am advised that this section does not apply to prohibited weapons or ammunition.

It should be noted that the terms of the European Council Directive 91/477/EEC, as transposed by the European Communities (Acquisition and Possession of Weapons and Ammunition) Regulations 1993, apply to all transfers of firearms and ammunition between member states. Section 6(1) of those regulations require the prior consent of the competent authorities in member states to the transfer.

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