Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
633. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the proposals by An Garda Síochána in respect of a proposed new legislation to restrict the use of handguns which are currently licensed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31217/15]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that I announced a series of changes to the licensing of firearms last week. My announcement followed an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders and hearings by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence on a report from a Joint Garda Síochána/Department of Justice and Equality Working Group published in November 2014. The changes announced will address issues in the short term but also map out the longer term future for a licensing system which balances the rights of those who wish to pursue their interests with public safety, which has to be the paramount consideration.
I have announced my intention to make fundamental long term reforms in this area by proposing legislation for a Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. Individual licensing decisions will continue to be made by members of An Garda Síochána in the light of the determinations made by the Authority but it is intended that the Authority will adjudicate on appeals from decisions by An Garda Síochána. This will offer an alternative to the current system of court appeals.
I have signed secondary legislation re-defining what constitutes a non-restricted handgun. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure persons who currently hold licences for handguns will be able to reapply for a license in the current licensing round. This legislation will clarify for An Garda Síochána what firearms may be considered by them for licensing.
I intend to monitor the number of 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns being licensed. In line with my commitment to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland, if there is a significant increase in the number of applications for new certificates or import licence applications for these handguns, I will introduce priority legislation for a future cap.
I have also introduced an immediate temporary cap on the licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles pending the establishment and determination of the Authority. Legislation will provide for the revocation of any licences issued between 18 September 2015 and the enactment of the legislation. The current arrangements introduced in 2008 whereby no new licences will be issued for centre fire handguns will remain in place.
I have also announced my intention to ask the Garda Inspectorate to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána when the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority has been in place for a period of 12 months.
I also intend to re-establish the Firearms Consultative Panel to examine general issues of common concern which could include issues such as the establishment of a ballistic record of certain firearms, updated storage conditions for firearms and the reloading of ammunition.
Finally, the Garda Commissioner intends to establish a centralised licensing system for restricted firearms, pending the establishment and determination of the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority.
