Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
885. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications to modify a firearm in 2018; the number of applications to use a silencer, telescopic, thermal or night sight, respectively; the number of certifications issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33117/19]
View answerFirstly, I refer the Deputy to my reply of 19 June 2019 to Parliamentary Question Number 25785/19 in relation to the modification of licensed firearms.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that if a licensed firearms owner seeks to modify a firearm, such as a spare barrel, change of calibre, new component part, addition of a silencer or telescopic sight, etc., the person must make a formal application to the relevant issuing officer on the standard form. The issuing person is then required to consider the application on its own individual merits in accordance with law. If the application is granted, the PULSE system will be updated to reflect the modification and an amended firearm certificate will issue but not an additional firearm certificate.
The Garda authorities have advised that statistics on the number of applications to modify a firearm are not readily available, as such changes are not recorded on the PULSE system as modifications. The total number of telescopic, thermal or night sights authorised on active firearm certificates as at the end of November 2018 was 16,484. The total number of silencers (also known as moderators) authorised on active firearms certificates, as of 10 June 2019, was 12,953.
