Gerard Collins
Ceist:42 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Justice the number of legally held firearms in this State; and the number and location of retail outlets for their sale. [7031/96]
Written Answers. - Firearm Certificates.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the number of firearm certificates issued to residents of the State by the Garda Síochána for the year ended 31 July 1995 was 195,188.
There are approximately 520 registered firearms dealers located throughout the State, half of whom confine their trading to ammunition. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not in the public interest, nor is it established practice, to provide a full listing of these locations.
Figures for wholesalers and retailers are not compiled separately.