Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 December 2004
219 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received a report reviewing fireworks legislation and policy; if he will publish that report; the action he proposes to take to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33833/04]
View answerI presume the Deputy is referring to the ongoing internal review of explosives legislation which is taking place in my Department.
With regard to fireworks in particular, I wish to inform the Deputy that I have asked officials in my Department to give priority to finalising proposals on offences and penalties in that area. I intend to seek Government approval to include these proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 as amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage.
The issue of an appropriate regime for the regulation of fireworks is a complex one on which there are widely divergent views. My Department is carrying out research on the position in other jurisdictions, especially Northern Ireland. I intend to engage in a process of public consultation about this issue early in the new year.
