Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2011
212 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms certificates held by persons here to hold large calibre handguns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40152/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Firearms Acts, and associated regulations, handguns are currently classified as either ‘Restricted' or ‘Non-Restricted'. ‘Restricted' Handguns are defined as all of those above .22"calibre and also includes those of 0.22" calibre which hold more than five rounds.
I understand that the total number of Restricted Firearm Certificates issued for Restricted Handguns since 1st August 2009 to 12th December, 2011, is 443.
213 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce regulations for target shooting ranges. [40153/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that I signed the necessary Regulations, the Firearms (Authorisation of Rifle or Pistol Shooting Ranges) Regulations 2011, into law on 30 November, 2011. My Department's Firearms Ranges Inspector has been working collaboratively with the range owners throughout the country and expects to be in a position to certify some ranges before the end of the year.
214 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms reported as stolen in each of the past five years. [40154/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table shows the number of firearms recorded as stolen on PULSE for each year from 2007 — 2011 (valid to 12th December 2011).
|
Year |
Number stolen |
|
2011 |
205 |
|
2010 |
249 |
|
2009 |
350 |
|
2008 |
298 |
|
2007 |
349 |
Figures provided are operational and liable to change.
