Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
715. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if Operation Tombola will commence in September this year; whether additional resources will be allocated to police the sale and misuse of fireworks, particularly in built-up areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40598/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBy way of background, because fireworks are explosives, they are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law.
Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.
Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. Penalties include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
I am very aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off cause, in particular, our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on guide dogs, pets and other animals and livestock.
That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.
This year’s campaign will again emphasise the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on communities and both wild and domestic animals. Highlighting the damaging and life changing consequences these dangers can pose, not only to those who directly use illegal fireworks, but also innocent bystanders to whom the improper use of fireworks can cause serious distress and injury, the campaign urges people to consider those who are indirectly impacted by their actions over this Halloween period. The campaign also seeks to remind the public of the serious penalties that can be imposed for the misuse of illegal fireworks.
I intend to launch this year's awareness raising campaign next week in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs and Dublin Fire Brigade.
Further each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. Operation Tombola is a National Operation. I have requested details of the activities to be undertaken as part of Operation Tombola in 2023 from An Garda Síochána. Unfortunately, these details were not available in the time allowed but I will write to the Deputy directly once further information is available.
