Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
337. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of firearms licensing legislation: if the concerns of the National Association of Regional Game Councils and the Sports Coalition have been given detailed consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39613/15]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that I recently announced a series of changes to the licensing of firearms. My announcement followed an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders and hearings by the Joint Oireachtas 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 understand the Sports Coalition (of which the National Association of Regional Games Council is a member) has welcomed and fully endorsed my announcement.
My intention is 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. 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.
As part of the review process, I announced my intention to re-establish the Firearms Consultative Panel. The re-established panel had their first meeting on 29 October 2015. It is made up of key stakeholders, including the Sports Coalition. This panel provides a valuable forum for contact and discussion between my Department and representatives of shooting organisations, An Garda Síochána and other interested parties. I have sought submissions from the Firearms Consultative Panel on a number of issues affecting licensed gun owners including the proposed Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. I look forward to building on the positive relationships developed between representative organisations and my Department during the review of firearms licensing and I look forward to continued open and positive dialogue with all representative organisations.
I have notified the Garda Inspectorate that I intend to ask them to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána when the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority is in place for a period of 12 months.
I have 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 licenses issued before the enactment of the legislation and it is intended that anyone applying for licenses of this nature will be informed of that fact.
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 clarifies for An Garda Síochána what firearms may be considered by them for licensing.
In line with my commitment to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland, I am continuing to monitor the number of 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns being licensed. 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.
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. The Garda Commissioner is preparing a detailed outline of the proposed work of the centralised licensing system for my consideration.
