Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 April 2022
129. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if she has progressed plans to formulate a committee to review existing legislation relating to the control of firearms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21371/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the new Justice Plan 2022 contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation.
Within the plan, Action 34.3 outlines a commitment to identify all outstanding issues requiring overdue reform in the management and processing of firearms licensing, register of firearms dealers and inspections. It also commits to the production of a roadmap for addressing issues identified, including a new legislative framework.
I am pleased to report that work in regard to this action is progressing well. I anticipate that by the end of the second quarter of this year, a determination will be made in terms of the medium term policy and legislative changes required, as well as a timeline agreed for the further development of legislation.
While I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review, I can advise that in advance of the finalisation of any new or amending measure, I will of course be consulting with all relevant stakeholders in due course and hope to be in a position to provide greater detail in relation to all of this work as the review progresses.
This review is proceeding in tandem with plans to establish a Firearms Expert Committee, on a non-statutory basis, which it is intended will bring forward recommendations on which type of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes.
On 31 March 2022, I announced that I am seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for appointment to a new advisory body, the Firearms Expert Committee, to be established in the second quarter of this year in line with commitments under the Justice Plan 2022.
Applications are specifically sought for the roles of:
- Chairperson; and
- Ordinary member (two positions).
The Firearms Expert Committee will comprise five members in total, including representatives of this Department and An Garda Síochána. The Committee will be established on a non-statutory basis for an initial period of six months, which may be extended for a further six months at my discretion, if required.
The Expert Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its Terms of Reference, the Committee will carry out an assessment of all types of firearms currently licensed in the State to determine their use under the existing licensing system. Based on this assessment, the Committee will make recommendations on the suitability of different types of firearms for future licensing.
The Committee will complete this assessment and report to me within a short six-month period. The critical expertise of the Committee and its recommendations will inform any future determinations for reforms to the firearms legislation and licensing regime within this jurisdiction.
Further information concerning the Firearms Expert Committee and the appointment process is detailed in the Expression of Interest available online at:
www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/EoI_Firearms_Expert_Committee
The closing date of receipt of expression of interest is no later than 15:00 on Friday 29 April 2022.
