I 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.
Firearms Offences where Proceedings Commenced.
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.