Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
796 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions in recent years under the firearms legislation for not having a licence or other breaches of legislation. [2055/05]
View answer797 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average age profile of licensed firearms holders here. [2056/05]
View answer798 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of stolen firearms in 2002, 2003 and 2004; the type or category of firearm that was stolen in each case; and the location from which the firearm in each case was stolen. [2057/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 796 to 798, inclusive, together.
The number of prosecutions for possession of a firearm, which includes possession, use or carriage of a firearm or ammunition which is not authorised by a firearm certificate, and the discharge of a firearm are outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Possession of firearms |
Discharge of a firearm |
|
2001 |
123 |
20 |
|
2002 |
187 |
37 |
|
2003 |
148 |
41 |
|
2004* |
179 |
38 |
*Figures for 2004 are provisional/operational and liable to change.
The Garda authorities inform me that the average age of a licensed firearm holder is 49 years.
A breakdown of the number of firearms stolen by type or category and by location is not readily available. However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are compiling the figures and they will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they are available.
