Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
396. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice when he will consult with the members of two groups (details supplied) who are frustrated by a lack of engagement in relation to the review of firearms legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Justice when he intends to meet with stakeholders following the report of the Firearms Expert Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra400. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice if he will engage with stakeholder groups (details supplied) concerning the Firearms Expert Committee: First Report. [19080/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice when he or the Firearms Expert Committee intend to consult with the firearm user groups or representative organisations of the almost quarter-of-a-million licensed firearms holders in Ireland, in relation to the comprehensive review of firearms licensing in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19512/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra429. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19574/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 29 March 2023, when he will make the reports by the Firearms Expect Committee available in full; when his Department will convene a broader consultation process with firearms stakeholders to address any recommended policy or legislative changes resulting from the committee’s final report and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 396, 397, 400, 426, 429 and 430 together.
I can advise the Deputies that I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána.
The purpose of the FEC was to 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 comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publicly available, the FEC was tasked with making recommendations on a range of firearms matters for my subsequent consideration, including carrying out an assessment of all types of firearms to determine their current use under the existing licensing system and their suitability for future licensing.
The Deputy may wish to know that the final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March 2023, and that I received the final reports from the FEC which I published on Friday, 31 March 2023 on Gov.ie.
As I have emphasised throughout the process, any proposed changes to policy or legislation arising from any of the recommendations of the FEC will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. Details of the consultation process are being finalised and will be publicised shortly. When this happens I will ensure that these details are communicated to stakeholder organisations so that they, and their members, can engage fully in the consultations. I would also encourage as many people and organisations as possible to engage with this process to make their views known.
