A non-resident could be a European or a person from outside Europe. Section 2(9) states, "The issuing person may make such inquiries as he or she considers appropriate as to the suitability of any applicant for a firearm certificate under this section." I hope I misunderstood him but the Minister of State said in reply to Second Stage regarding definitions in this area that if a person had a conviction in another European state, it would not necessarily mean that he or she would not be entitled to an appropriate licence. I ask him to clarify that matter because it is confusing.
What operation will be involved in terms of other EU countries and the granting of licences to non-residents in Ireland? What investigations will be carried out or system put in place regarding the granting of licences to people from different parts of the United States? Regulations differ between American states. For example, I was in Florida at one time and I stayed with a person in the Titusville area, which is near Cape Kennedy, for three nights. He was married to a girl from Cork and I was visiting Cape Kennedy and Orlando, which is only 20 minutes away. In his house, he showed me three different guns. I was very quiet when the guns were shown to me in his bedroom and I was not comfortable for the rest of the night.
I do not want such situations in Ireland. The vast majority of people in the Republic of Ireland have never seen a gun and my view is that the fewer people who see them, the better. The judge also made this point. The legislation and regulations established under it must ensure that people coming to Ireland are properly investigated with regard to licences to carry guns or bring guns into the country.