asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the result of the Garda report submitted to the Attorney-General in relation to stun guns.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stun Guns.
5.
asked the Minister for Justice in view of the increased use of stun guns in the country and the consequent dangers to the public, if he will have the sale and use of these items banned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 20 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Question No. 50 on 8 March 1988. The question of whether stun guns are prohibited weapons within the meaning of the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1971, is still being examined by the Garda authorities in consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions. I understand that their consideration of the matter is almost completed. In the light of the advice which I receive from this examination, I shall consider the action that needs to be taken.
This dangerous weapon has been freely available to the public over a long period and yet a Garda report has not yet been finalised in regard to this matter. Will we have to wait until a tragedy occurs from the use of such a gun before something is done?
I accept the thrust of the Deputy's question. The stun gun most commonly available in this country is the Nova XR 5000 which has been examined by the Garda ballistics section. It produces an electric pulse which sends out frequencies to the neuro-muscular system and temporarily interrupts voluntary muscle control, causing the person to fall unconscious to the ground. The cost of this unit is about £160. Having regard to my concern in this area, the matter is being examined by the Garda authorities in consultation with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I hope to hear from them very shortly and then I will take whatever action is necessary to deal with the problem.
Will the Minister agree that it would be advisable for him to put a stop to the sale of such a gun until the Garda report is available?
I am advised that I am following the proper and correct course.
As the Minister is aware, I have written to his Department on a number of occasions about the use of stun guns. They have now been outlawed in Britain and, as a result, this country has become a dumping ground for stocks that were available in Britain and which can be sold here cheaply. I am sure I speak for all sides of the House when I say he will have our full support in bringing in any legislation which he thinks necessary to immediately ban the use of stun guns. The legislation should also make it an offence to carry a sharp weapon such as a knife.
I thank the Deputy for his promised support in any legislation which I will have to introduce to deal with this matter, if I take that course. I will be in a position, in a very short time, to make an announcement in this regard.
I understand the reasons for employing the code of the Firearms Acts and I am not seeking to anticipate the report. However, we will be discussing these Acts which will, of necessity, involve an amendment. Are steps being taken in the Government to have such an amendment available? Will the Minister appreciate — in relation to Deputy Barrett's remarks — that there would be all-party agreement to have that matter dealt with with the utmost expediency in the House? Will he assure us that he will bring this matter forward, without a moment's delay, when the report is available?
I thank Deputy McCartan for his offer of support in the event of my bringing legislation to the House and I am sure every Deputy wants to see this matter dealt with. I will have the report very shortly and I will then take any action necessary to deal with it. I will come to the House to give me the legislative force which I will need to deal with the matter.
Will the Minister give an indication to the House as to the approximate number of these weapons in the country at present?
I do not have any information in that regard.
That is a specific question.
Will the Minister give the House any idea of how many occasions — if any — these implements have been used in the course of the commission of a crime? Has the Minister been advised as to whether he has statutory powers which would enable him to ban their use?
The latter question is being examined by the Director of Public Prosecutions and when I have clarification as to where I stand I will be able to take action. In regard to the Deputy's first question, I do not have the information at present but if I can get it I will send it to the Deputy as quickly as possible.