Wildlife Acts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Ceisteanna (209)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

209 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 321 of 20 April 2005, the number of firearm certificates or licences that were endorsed in the terms specified in section 2(d) of the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000 in each of the years between 2000 and 2004; the number of forearm certificates, and the gun categories involved, that were issued in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13815/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

With regard to the Deputy's reference to the endorsement of firearm certificates under section 2(d) of the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2000, there is no such provision. However, there is a provision under section 29 of the Wildlife Act 1976 which permits the hunting and killing of exempted wild mammals and birds. The Garda authorities inform me that these figures are not readily available.

However, the figures for the total number of firearm certificates granted in each of the years between 2000 and 2004 are set out in the table.

	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004
Category
Rifles and Air Rifles	39,850	40,281	41,650	43,246	45,225
Shotguns	167,202	166,231	167,157	168,640	168,177
Crossbows	60	64	68	68	74
Pistols and Revolvers	0	0	0	0	120
Total	207,112	206,576	208,875	211,954	213,596