asked the Minister for Justice if he will state in the case of persons found guilty of possessing firearms or ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, the number that received sentences of seven years or more; and the number that received the maximum sentence of 14 years, in each of the last five years.
Written Answers. - Possession of Firearms.
563.
, Limerick East): The information requested is as follows:—
|
Year |
No. of persons convicted of possession of firearms or ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property who received sentences of seven years or more |
No. of persons who received the maximum sentence of fourteen years |
|
1979 |
12 |
— |
|
1980 |
6 |
— |
|
1981 |
3 |
— |
|
1982 |
10 |
— |
|
1983 |
11 |
1 |
The available information relates to cases dealt with in the Special Criminal Court, with the exception of one case in 1982 and one in 1983, which were dealt with in the Central Criminal Court.
Persons accused of these offences could theoretically have been dealt with in the Circuit Court also but it is unlikely that any such sentences would have been imposed in the Circuit Court during the period in question. It would not be possible to put the matter beyond doubt without the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time.