Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2023
164. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice concerning the firearms expert committee, if he has received correspondence (details supplied) from an association regarding the firearms expert committee's proposed recommendations and amendments for persons in receipt of a firearms licence; if he will meet with the organisation ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15699/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) was established in June 2022 on a non-statutory basis, with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána. The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publically available, the FEC was tasked with making recommendations on a range of firearms matters for my subsequent consideration.
I can inform the Deputy that the correspondence from the named organisation requesting a meeting regarding the FEC’s recommendations has been brought to my attention. However, the final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March, 2023, and its reports have been submitted to me today. As I have emphasised throughout the process, any proposed changes to policy or legislation arising from any of the recommendations by the FEC will of course be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. I therefore intend to publish the reports in full very shortly and engage in wider consultation.
An immediate meeting with the named group prior to publication of the finalised reports would pre-empt this process. However, I look forward to receiving the input of the named group during this wider consultation and remain open to meeting interested parties in due course.
