Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 5

Written Answers. - Millennium Celebrations.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

152 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps, if any, his Department will take in relation to the demand for fireworks for use during the millennium celebrations; if an awareness campaign will be conducted highlighting the legal outlets which can supply fireworks; the safety measures which must be observed in the use of fireworks; the way in which his Department will deal with the illegal importation of fireworks and create public awareness regarding the dangers of cheap, poor quality fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4486/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Fireworks are classed as explosives under the Explosives Act, 1875. This Act requires a licence to be issued for the importation of explosives. These importation licences may be issued to organisers of fireworks displays conducted by professional operators, subject to certain conditions.

However, despite these restrictions fireworks are imported illegally. The dangers imposed by these illegally imported fireworks are, of course, a matter of concern to both myself and the Garda authorities. Each year specific measures are taken by the Garda to combat this problem and in recent years considerable amounts of fireworks have been seized. The Garda has assured me that these measures will continue during 1999 and also during the forthcoming millennium celebrations.

I also wish to inform the Deputy that my Department is currently assessing the implications for the Department of the anticipated increase in applications for the importation of fireworks due to the millennium celebrations.