Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2015
529. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average time it takes for the firearms section of her Department to process applications for import and export licences for non-military firearms; if she is satisfied that there is sufficient staff to process such applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37333/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra530. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the concerns of a company (details supplied) regarding delays in the processing of applications for licences to import and export non-military firearms for its hunting and fishing business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37334/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.
I can inform the Deputy that there are no delays in processing application forms for import and export licenses for firearms and/or ammunition within my Department. The time taken to process an application to finality can be prolonged by the lodging of incorrect information by the applicant. When incorrect information is provided by an applicant, the matter is dealt with expeditiously by the staff in my Department in accordance with the Department's customer service policy and the applicant is contacted and advised to re-submit correct information.
As a general rule, applications are processed within 10 working days and in many instances in a lesser period. The recent postal strike may have led to delivery of licences later than usual.
