Billy Kelleher
Question:223. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to update the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009. [17415/19]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2019
Questions (223)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that a substantial review of firearms licensing, including consultation with the public, stakeholders and the relevant Oireachtas Committee, was undertaken in recent years. A number of measures identified as a result of this review are being progressed by my Department and implementation of these will require legislative amendment to the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009.
These include a ban on new licences for semi automatic centre fire rifles and the establishment of 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 types 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 legislation generally continues to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.