Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 July 2014
400. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she is satisfied that the processing of firearm licences for restricted and unrestricted firearms is being carried out in a uniform manner across the State; if she has engaged with, or has plans to engage with, those organisations which represent persons with licensed firearms in respect of concerns they have expressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30034/14]
View answerThe licensing of individual firearms is an operational matter for An Garda Síochána who have informed me that each application for a firearm certificate is considered on its individual merits. An issuing person or deciding officer (at Superintendent or Chief Superintendent level in An Garda Síochána) shall not grant a firearm certificate unless satisfied that the applicant complies with a number of conditions as provided under Section 4(2) of the Firearms Act, 1925 as substituted by Section 32 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. These conditions include a good reason to hold the licence, public safety, person is not disentitled to hold a licence and secure accommodation for the firearm. Additionally, an applicant shall supply information as requested in the application form FCA1, including proof of identity, proof of competence, consent to make medical enquiries and referees.
Every application for a firearm certificate is a separate application which includes assessing the character of the applicant, his/her good reason for acquiring the particular firearm and ensuring that the applicant complies with the conditions as outlined. An applicant may have good reason to hold a certificate for a particular type of firearm but may not have good reason to hold a certificate for other types of firearms. As each application for a firearm certificate is considered on its own merits this will result in variations in decision making from District to District. It is worth noting that the deciding officer is, in law, the persona designata as a deciding officer for firearms licensing and I as Minister cannot interfere in the licensing of individual firearms.
A review of firearms licensing is currently being finalised by my Department and An Garda Síochána. I expect to receive and consider a report in relation to these matters in the near future. When I have considered that report I will consider what further action is necessary in relation to the firearms licensing system, including the proposal from interest groups for an examination of relevant administrative issues by the Garda Inspectorate. Officials of my Department met key interest groups in late 2013 and early 2014 who set out their concerns in relation to a range of issues regarding firearms licensing at that time. These interest groups have also communicated their views directly to me, as well as to all Oireachtas members. Further consultation with relevant stakeholders will take place when I have considered the report and before any decisions are finalised in relation to proposals for change to the firearms licensing system. I will decide on the nature of the consultation and what meetings are appropriate at the time I am considering the report.
