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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 2002

Vol. 556 No. 2

Written Answers. - Control of Explosives.

Pat Carey

Ceist:

142 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the regulations and directives which exist for the sale of fireworks and bangers here; if an EU directive governs their sale, manufacture and so on; the action the Garda have taken to counter an epidemic of their use, particularly in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19634/02]

Fireworks are deemed to be explosives under the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1875.

Accordingly, they may only be imported into the State under an importation licence granted by my Department and it is a long standing policy that these licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by professional and experienced operators.

The Explosives Act, 1875, also provides for restrictions on the sale of fireworks on streets, public thoroughfares or public places and on their sale to children. There is no EU Directive which governs the sale or manufacture of fireworks.

The Garda authorities have assured me that they are pro-active in combating the illegal use of fireworks. A special operation is in place to address the problem of the sale, supply and use of fireworks during the lead-up to, and during Halloween. It involves the gathering of information and appropriate follow-up action by the Garda aimed at the seizure of illicit fireworks. It also involves the establishment of liaison with local authorities.
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