Vol. 534 No. 5
172 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason fireworks are classified as explosives under the Explosives Act, 1875; if he will indicate his understanding of the level of appreciation that the general public enjoy from fireworks displays; if there has been a noticeable increase in permits being sought for fireworks displays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/01]
Fireworks are deemed to be explosives under the Explosives Act, 1875, in the interest of public safety because of their dangerous character. In addition, they may not be imported unless authorised by an importation licence granted by my Department in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
It is my Department's current policy to grant importation licences only for organised firework displays that are conducted by professional and knowledgeable operators in a controlled environment. I am satisfied that this policy goes a long way towards protecting the public from the inherent dangers of fireworks while ensuring that they are not deprived of the enjoyment of the spectacle of fireworks. My Department granted 185 licences last year for the importation of fireworks compared to 91 in 1996.
Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 56.
