Control of Firearms

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Questions (550)

Patrick Costello

Question:

550. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the number of firearms-related deaths over the past ten years, broken down by district, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24475/23]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

I have asked An Garda Sìochàna if it is possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy. Unfortunately it was not possible to confirm this within the timeframe allowed.

I will revert to the Deputy with any relevant information upon receipt.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51:

As you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána. As Minister of State I have no role in these matters.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of homicides (murder/manslaughter) incidents involving a firearm reported each year between 1 January 2013 and 23 May, 2023.

As the Deputy may already be aware, data is not released by An Garda Síochána for counts less than 10 for data protection reasons and as a result, it is not possible to provide a breakdown by district.

National Figures: Firearm Related Murder/Manslaughter Incidents

Year Reported	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	*Up to 23/05/2023
Count	16	12	10	15	<10	<10	11	<10	<10	<10	<10

I am informed that these figures were gathered from the PULSE system as of 01:00 on 23 May 2023; they are operational and may be subject to change.

I hope this information is of assistance.