12 Feb 2015, 17:40
A delegation from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality has enjoyed fruitful visits to Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park and the Nurney firing range in Co Kildare today, Thursday 12 February, as part of its consideration of a recent review of firearms licencing issues.
12 February 2015
The delegation was welcomed by Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to the Garda Technical Bureau at the Garda Depot in the morning. Members then travelled to Nurney Firing Range in the afternoon, where they received a briefing and tour of the facility from the National Association of Sporting Rifle and Pistol Clubs.
The Joint Department of Justice and Equality / Garda Síochána Working Group was established in September 2013 to address firearms licensing issues and published a Review in November 2014. Following a call for public submissions, the Committee hosted a series of meetings in December and January with both the Working Group and representatives of shooting clubs with concerns around the Review’s findings.
Committee Chairman David Stanton TD led the delegation. He says: “Having issued a call for public submissions and hosted valuable discussions on the Review’s findings in Leinster House recently, the Committee understand that there are differing perspectives on the holding of firearms and firearm licensing. The visits to Garda HQ and the Nurney firing range today – and the detailed briefings received – will help further inform the Committee in shaping our own response to the Review.”
Separately, while at Garda HQ, the Committee visited Forensic Science Ireland, which is based at Garda HQ in the Phoenix Park. The delegation was briefed by Director General of the facility Dr S. M. Willis at 9.30 a.m. before receiving a detailed guided tour of the facility.
View photos from Garda HQ here.
Media enquiries to:
Paul Hand,
Communications Unit,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
P: +3531 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926
paul.hand@oireachtas.ie
Committee Membership
Deputies:
Niall Collins (FF); Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (FG); Alan Farrell (FG); Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]; Seán Kenny (LAB); Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF); Finian McGrath (IND); John Paul Phelan (FG); David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]
Senators:
Ivana Bacik (LAB); Martin Conway (FG); Rónán Mullen (IND); Denis O’Donovan (FF); Katherine Zappone (IND); Tony Mulcahy (FG)