Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 February 2014
154. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the different types and the numbers of licensed firearms held in the State over the past five years; the cost of the licence fee; the procedure involved in the renewal of each licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7050/14]
View answerThe information on the different types and number of licensed firearms held in the State is being compiled by An Garda Síochána and I will write to the Deputy when it becomes available.
Firearms Certificates are now issued for a period of three years, unless otherwise revoked, as against a period of one year until August 2009. Each three year firearm certificate costs €80 with the exception of a Firearms Training Certificate which costs €40 for three years.
Approximately three months prior to the expiry of an existing firearm certificate, the holder of the certificate receives a Firearms Renewal Form in the post. The renewal form contains all of the details in relation to the existing certificate and if any changes or updates are required (for example, regarding changes to referees, doctor, or land permissions etc), this information can be updated on the form by the applicant prior to the applicant returning the signed completed form for processing by An Garda Síochána. Under Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, which inserted a new Section 4 into the Firearms Act 1925, an issuing person shall not grant a firearm certificate unless satisfied the applicant complies with a number of conditions referred to in the Section including good reason, that the applicant can possess, use and carry the firearm without danger to the public safety or security or the peace, is not disentitled, has provided secure accommodation for the firearm, referees, medical enquiries etc.
Each application for a firearm certificate requires the issuing person to consider a wide range of factors prior to making a final decision and further information may be required from the applicant in some cases.
