Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2015
390. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support a matter (details supplied) concerning a firearms assessment and appeals authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33339/15]
View answerI recently announced fundamental long term reforms of firearms licensing including the establishment of a new 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. The functions of the Authority will be subject to further consultation with key stakeholders in advance of the preparation of the necessary enabling legislation, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. Accordingly, it is premature at this stage to decide on the make up of the Authority before the consultation process.
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.
