Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2014
135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all stakeholders and representative organisations will be consulted in respect of the review of firearms legislation; the timeframe for the completion of this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46712/14]
View answerIn light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by my Department to review firearms licensing. The Report of this Working Group was published on 13 November and submissions on the Report have been sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The consultation process gives individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation.
I have already given a commitment that I will not make any decisions until I have had the opportunity to consider all the submissions which are made and I meet the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I would now urge all concerned to engage with this process so that the views of all concerned can be considered before decisions are made in relation to this matter.
There is no set time frame for completion of the review. The next steps will be considered after all submissions are received at the end of January.
