Firearms Licences

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

587. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of illegal or unlicensed firearms he believes to be in circulation in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8335/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

588. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of licensed firearms in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8336/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

589. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of licensed firearms that have been stolen or reported missing in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8337/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

590. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms offences that have been committed using licensed firearms by the licensee in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8338/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

591. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of murders that have been committed using licensed firearms by the licensee in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8339/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

592. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms offences that have been committed using unlicensed firearms in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8340/14]

Brendan Griffin

Question:

593. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of murders that have been committed using unlicensed firearms in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8341/14]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 to 593, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to estimate the number of unlicensed/illegal firearms in circulation in the country. I am further informed that, as of 10 February 2014, the number of firearm certificates in the State is 178,191. I have sought a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the other information sought by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.