Control of Firearms

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Questions (552)

Patrick Costello

Question:

552. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice for an update on the work of the firearms expert committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24478/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice

As the Deputy will be aware, I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) 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 publicly available, the FEC was tasked with making recommendations on a range of firearms matters for my subsequent consideration, including carrying out an assessment of all types of firearms to determine their current use under the existing licensing system and their suitability for future licensing.

The final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March 2023 and I published the final report on Friday, 31 March 2023 on Gov.ie.

As I stated throughout this process, any proposed changes to policy or legislation arising from any of the recommendations of the FEC will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders.

On the, 3 May 2023, I launched the FEC consultation online on Gov.ie.

The online consultation can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/411f7-consultation-on-the-recommendations-of-the-reports-of-the-firearms-expert-committee/ . I would encourage as many people and organisations as possible to engage with this survey in order to make their views known.

In addition to this, I have sought written submissions on the recommendations of the FEC from a range of stakeholder organisations and intend to meet with such groups, having received their written submissions and following the conclusion of the wider public consultation, which runs until 2 June. This will ensure that stakeholder organisations can engage fully in this consultation.