Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
142. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the customer service policy in the firearms section of her Department, when persons applying for import and export licences for non-military firearms make a mistake on their applications; if the firearms section formally acknowledges receipt of applications for import and export licences for non-military firearms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39965/15]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that due to the large volume of applications received via email, post and fax, the Firearms Unit in my Department do not acknowledge receipt of applications for import and export licences. As I advised the Deputy on 3 November as a general rule, applications are processed within 10 working days, except where incorrect information is provided by an applicant.
In 2014, the Firearms Unit processed 1,678 licences for importation/export of Firearms, transits through the state, Garda Imports and authorisations for foreign personnel.
I am advised that when persons applying for importation and export licences make a mistake on their application, the matter is dealt with expeditiously by the staff in my Department and the applicant is contacted by telephone and advised to re-submit correct information. The staff concerned aim at all times to provide customers with a professional, efficient and courteous service and to improve the standards of the service provided.
I would suggest that the Deputy's constituent should contact the Department's Quality Customer Service Office (email address is customerservices@justice.ie )if he or she wishes to make suggestions on how we could improve the Department's customer service. However, I should add that the introduction of any additional workload such as acknowledging applications will delay the timescale for completion of such applications.
