Firearms Licences.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Questions (479)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

539 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the inconsistency across Garda administrative units in the issuing of firearms licences for sporting purposes; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that international competitors and instructors (details supplied) are being refused licenses for pistols needed for competition while others not involved in international competition are being granted licenses for similar firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48361/09]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

As the Deputy will appreciate firearms licensing is an operational matter and the conditions, subject to which a firearm certificate may be granted, are set out in section 4 (2) of the Firearms Act 1925 as amended by section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Under the Firearms Acts, each application is adjudicated upon by the issuing person on its own individual merits and I have no role in the granting of these certificates.

It should be noted that section 15A of the Firearms Act 1925, as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006, provides that an appeal may be made to the District Court by a person aggrieved by a decision to refuse to grant or renew a firearm certificate.