Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
224 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the amount of fireworks being discharged in the lead up to and during Hallowe’en; if the widespread availability of same is indicative of the problem which exists with regard to the high level of illicit drugs which pass through borders here with similar ease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27314/04]
View answerThe Deputy's question raises two issues, the first of which relates to the use of fireworks. As he is aware, fireworks are deemed to be explosives under the provisions of the Explosives Act 1875. They may be imported into the State only under an importation licence granted by my Department. It is a long-standing policy that licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by professional and experienced operators and in accordance with agreed safety procedures. I assure the Deputy that I am aware of the dangers posed by the use of illegal fireworks and of the distress they cause to people, particularly at this time of year.
The Garda Commissioner has informed me that the Garda puts special operations in place each year to address the problem in the run-up to and during the Hallowe'en season. Information is gathered and appropriate follow-up action is taken by the Garda, aimed at the seizure of illicit fireworks and involving close liaison with local authorities. Each year, the Garda authorities seize a substantial amount of fireworks, which are subsequently destroyed. Over the past two months the Garda has had significant success in confiscating fireworks. For example, a large cache of fireworks, estimated to be valued at €100,000, was seized at Dundalk. In order to strengthen the powers of the Garda in tackling this matter I have instructed officials in my Department to prepare legislative proposals to increase significantly the penalties under the Explosives Act 1875 for illegal importation, public sale and use of fireworks.
The second issue raised by the Deputy was drug abuse. I am sure he agrees that the social consequences of drug abuse are significantly greater than those of illegal fireworks. The Garda and the Customs and Excise work in close co-operation on the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of illegal drugs being smuggled into the State. They have achieved considerable successes, such as drug seizures.
Two high level seminars on cross-Border organised crime have been organised by my Department and the Northern Ireland Office over the last 18 months, with the involvement of senior representatives of the Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. During the most recent seminar in September, the first joint threat assessment of cross-Border organised crime was launched and work was commenced on developing joint operational and tactical responses to the risks identified. The threat assessment document states that investigations into a number of drugs operations have led to a number of notable arrests and seizures on both sides of the Border.
