Written Answers Nos. 154-159
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.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider extending the opening hours of Celbridge Garda station, County Kildare, with particular reference to the recent high number of burglaries and car thefts that have occurred in the local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7060/14]
View answerI have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.
156. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to publish Garda procedures dealing with suicidal drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7140/14]
View answerI have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána issued a Roads Policing Manual in 2013. The roles and responsibilities of Garda members involved in pursuit incidents are clearly set out in the manual as are the policies and procedures to be followed where an individual appears to be intent on harming themselves, with the safety of all those involved in such situations, including the general public, being paramount. As this is an internal Garda document, there are no plans for it to be published.
158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Defence the cost of provision of security by Defence Forces personnel for flights carrying US troops through Shannon Airport in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7129/14]
View answerAn Garda Síochána has the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. Since the 5th February, 2003, the Gardaí have requested support from the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on occasion. The following items are taken into consideration when calculating the costs involved in providing ATCP at Shannon Airport; Security Duty Allowance, rations and fuel. The costs incurred for 2012 and 2013 are as follows:
|
Year |
Amount (€) |
|
2012 |
275,008 |
|
2013 |
221,693 |
159. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence the plans that exist for the sale of the former Army barracks in Loughrea; if a reserve price has been put in place; when an auction will take place or where members of the public can get more information on the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7162/14]
View answerThe former FCA premises in Loughrea, Co Galway was vacated in March of last year and has been identified as being surplus to military requirements. In accordance with normal procedure for the disposal of State property, my Department invited other Government Departments and Public Bodies to register any interest in this property. As no interest has been expressed, preparations are underway for the disposal of the property by Public Auction in 2014. A Reserve Price has not been set as this stage. When preparations have been finalised, all relevant information regarding the sale will be advertised both nationally and locally.
