Vol. 541 No. 2
896 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the length of time it should take to process an application for a firearms certificate in respect of a rifle; if there is a standard time frame for the issue of such a certificate; if each Garda station complies with this protocol; and if there is a growing waiting list. [21833/01]
In accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 2000, the power to grant a firearm certificate to a person resident in the State is vested in the local superintendent of the Garda district where the person resides and I have no statutory function in the matter. However, I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there is no standard time for processing applications. I understand that while shotgun applications are generally processed within four to six weeks, rifle applications may take more time as more checking is required due to the type of firearm involved and the purpose for which it may be used. As regards waiting lists, the commissioner has advised me that it would be necessary to check with each district to ascertain the position which would involve an inordinate deployment of resources. However, he has assured me that he is not aware of any undue delay in processing applications.
