Wouldnt it be nice if WE the shooting lobby could have such a spokesperson as well.

At least we would have a good idea who is with us and who is against us.

Flattop 15 wrote:

It would indeed,but I would settle for one consistent TD with a good general knowledge of shooting and hunting,than a bunch of specialists who pipe up only when their respective field is affected.

Hmm,I dont recall very many pics of smiling and smirking TDs with any of our Olympic,or any other shooting teams in the recent past.Correct me if I am wrong,but I cant EVER remember a pic in the national press of any of our shooters,apart from last year our clay shooting champ,but he was delagated small coloum inches.

With due respects to our airsoft brethern,but is this actually a sport?

I cant see any TD wanting to be associated with it.

It just happens to be a "hip" vote catcher for a vocal minority.Dont see why we cant use the same tactic as well.

Flattop 15 wrote:

Er reality is we dont even KNOW ONE totally progun TD,not to mind a bunch who would be sympatheticto be breifed.So could we poll them please to find out who is pro and sympathetic?

Ok.I stand corrected on that one.Great pity tho that the other disiplines get no mention

or have a revelant board appropiate to the disiplines to post their press cutings.

Well, lets put it like this.<snip>
Airsoft OTOH in any country except the paranoid isles we reside on,requires no liscense or backround checks,has no disipline as such attracts more of a fair share of nutters in cammo and weekend warriors,has got more than a bad share of publicity than practical pistol EVER will.Has been used in the UK and the continent by extremist rightwing groups for firearms training and tactics,and has more of a potential for giving shooting sports in general a worse name than all others combined.
Ditto for paintball,despite the attempt to make it more hip&trendy by going to day glo outfits and trying to make it a corporate event,it boils down to one thing shooting at live fellow humans.Not to mind the militristic set ups ,equipment and garb that they affect here as well.

And if any TD could /would be informed about this and comprehend it.I doubt they would want to represent them either and would be more willing to stand for somthing more organised and disiplined.

10. To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received the Irish Sports Council’s assessment of the conclusions to its consideration of the review of Ireland’s performance at the Athens Olympics; if an operational plan has been developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Sea´n Ryan. [20282/05]

32. To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount allocated by his Department in National Lottery funding for 2005; if he will transfer responsibility for the allocation of this funding to an independent authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Denis Naughten. [20213/05]

41. To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a national audit of sports facilities has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Damien English. [20227/05]

23. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department liaises with the Department of Education and Science to advise on the provision and expansion of sporting facilities in national and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20210/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue): The national lottery-funded sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding for sporting and recreational facilities and equipment. While responsibility for the provision of facilities in national and secondary schools rests with the Department of Education and Science, applications from schools and colleges may be considered under the programme in certain circumstances. Such applications must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must: provide for significant levels of usage by the local community during periods when the facilities are not being used by the school itself - at least 30 hours per week throughout the year; and demonstrate that the facilities concerned will meet an identified deficiency in that locality, as formally agreed with other local groups and-or the local authority.

In this regard, it has been the practice of my officials to engage in discussions with the Department of Education and Science when considering applications involving schools received under the sports capital programme. Under the 2004 sports capital programme, grants totalling €1.327 million were allocated to ten such projects where the proposed facilities were to be clearly shared between schools and other community groups, including local basketball, GAA and soccer clubs.

Applications for funding under the 2005 programme were invited through advertisements in the press on 5 and 6 December last. The closing date for receipt of applications was 4 February 2005. All of the 1,362 applications received before that deadline, including 30 related to facilities in primary and secondary schools, are currently being evaluated against the programme’s assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme at an early date.

The programme for Government includes a commitment to putting in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of local sports facilities throughout the country. I wish to advise the Deputy that an inter-agency steering group has been established to oversee the development of such a strategy and is commencing its work. The group is comprised of representatives from my Department along with officials from the Departments of Education and Science, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Finance, in addition to representatives of the Irish Sports Council, Campus Stadium Ireland Development Limited and the County and City Managers’ Association.

One of the issues likely to be considered by this group will be potential for greater co-operation between the Departments to ensure that the resources from all sources available to facility provision are maximised, including optimum usage of existing sports facilities by local communities and, in particular, those located in schools.

28. Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason for the delay in appointing a steering group to oversee the commencement of a national audit of sports facilities. [20254/05]

41. Mr. English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a national audit of sports facilities has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20227/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue):I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 41 together.

The agreed programme for Government contains a commitment to complete a national audit of local sports facilities and to put in place a long-term strategic plan to ensure the development of such necessary facilities throughout the country.

I wish to advise the Deputies that an inter-agency steering group has been established to oversee the development of such a strategy and is commencing its work. The group is comprised of representatives from my Department along with officials from the Departments of Education and Science, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Finance, in addition to representatives of the Irish Sports Council, Campus Stadium Ireland Development Limited and the County and City Managers Association. One of the first challenges facing the group is to oversee the commencement of a national audit of sports facilities.

Before commencing work on the strategic plan an assessment of what has been achieved under the Department’s sports capital programme was undertaken. This was done in the context of an Expenditure review of the programme which seeks to assess the benefits that the investment has yielded to date and to identify any difficulties or inefficiencies associated with the operation of the programme. This review has taken longer than expected to complete due to the scale of the programme and the time required to analyse the volume of information and data that was collected during the review.

510. Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether membership of armed gangs should be made a criminal offence; his proposals in this regard, setting out the proposed legislative basis for same. [21311/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Deputy is aware that I published last July the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is on Second Stage in the House. As I have indicated previously, I am considering the introduction of a number of amendments to the Bill, including provision for criminal offences relating to organised crime. I am examining the issue in the context of giving effect in Irish law to the European Union Joint Action on Participation in a Criminal Organisation of 1998 and the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime of 2000. I intend to bring my proposals to the Government to seek approval to draft in the near future.

2. Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders in which firearms were used thus far in 2005; the way in which this compares with the same period for 2004; the progress made to date with regard to Operation Anvil announced by him on 17 May 2005; his views on the number of weapons seized to date; the number of arrests made; the number of charges preferred which have arisen thus far from the operation; the length of time the operation is intended to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21641/05]

Mr. McDowell: I am informed by the Garda authorities that from 1 January 2004 to 13 June 2004, six murders were recorded as being committed using a firearm. In the period from 1 January to 22 June 2005, nine murders were recorded as being committed using a firearm.
While I have repeatedly urged caution in the interpretation of statistics, particularly statistics covering comparatively short periods of time, it is worth noting that, of the nine murders involving firearms this year, one occurred in March, five in April, three in May and none in June to date. With one exception, the murders were committed in the Dublin area. I am satisfied that Operation Anvil is making a significant contribution to securing a reduction in this type of offence. I commend the Commissioner and the members of an Garda Síochána for the efficient and effective use of the resources made available to them.
Operation Anvil was initiated by the Garda Commissioner on 16 May. I provided details in respect of it to the House on 17 May. Its main focus is targeting active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting criminal activity. It involves overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols. In addition, intelligence led covert operations are undertaken, as are searches and continued gathering and collation of high quality criminal intelligence.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that, since its inception, there have been 377 arrests and 76 firearms recovered. It is not possible to provide details pertaining to the number of charges preferred as a number of investigations, in respect of which investigation files will be submitted to the law officers for direction in due course, are ongoing.
As the Deputy is aware, the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is on Second Stage in the House, provides for a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures that will enhance the capacity of the Garda to investigate and prosecute offences. In that context, I will bring forward, on Committee Stage, a series of measures to increase sentences for the more serious range of firearm offences, including a mandatory minimum sentence in some cases. I will also introduce a new offence of illegally making a sawn-off shotgun.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that murders involving the use of firearms tend, for obvious reasons, to have lower conviction rates than other murders. This is not unique to Ireland; it is a pattern across the world. However, the number of violent deaths, both murder and manslaughter, recorded in 2004 was 45, the lowest number in ten years, despite the fact our population increased by 400,000 during that ten-year period.
Mr. Costello: Does the Minister agree that there have already been as many if not more deaths as a result of gangland killings in the first half of this year as occurred in nine of the past ten years? Does he consider that even with Operation Crossover, which was established in November 2004 and which lasted a few months, the situation for the first six months of this year is worse than that which obtained in any other year? It seems that once the blip of intensified Garda activity ended, the situation not only reverted to its previous state but appeared to get worse. Does the Minister agree that the €6.5 million being spent on Operation Anvil will end up having the same effect as the €4 million on Operation Crossover? Paying overtime is not the way to deal with gangland activity. What is required is a concerted plan, involving year-round effort, in order to achieve results.
Does the Minister agree that gangland killings are effectively the worst type of crime and attract the lowest detection rate? A hitman is almost assured that the last thing that will happen is that he will be detected, prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned. Until such time as the Minister puts forward specific proposals to deal with the problem, the situation can only become worse.
Mr. McDowell: I do not agree with that. Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world. If one examines the figures I gave, the number of people who died last year as a result of homicides - involving either manslaughter and murder - was 45. That is one of the lowest figures in ten years, despite the fact that the population increased dramatically in that time. We must be clear on that.
Mr. Costello: That is general homicide. My question relates to murder and firearms.
Mr. McDowell: I share the Deputy’s point of view on firearms to some extent but the figures to which he referred are not quite right. In 1998, for example, four murders involving firearms took place. That increased to 12 in 1999, stayed at 12 in 2000, decreased to nine in 2001, increased to ten in 2002, increased to 20 in 2003 and decreased to nine last year. This year the figure has already reached nine. It is not true to say that the situation has never been as bad as it is at present. There were four detections in respect of the ten murders committed in 2002, ten of the 20 murders in 2003 resulted in detections and in respect of the nine murders in 2004 there were six detections. It is not as black a picture in terms of detection as the Deputy suggests.
Mr. Costello: How many convictions were there? There was one conviction in each of those years.
Mr. McDowell: I agree with the Deputy that the phenomenon of paid——
Mr. Costello: What does detection mean?
An Ceann Comhairle: The time for this question has concluded.
Mr. McDowell: ——gunmen is extremely worrying. That is what Operation Anvil is all about. The Deputy asked if we should have bursts of activity such as that surrounding Operation Anvil or if we should we adopt a constant approach. I discussed this matter with the Garda Commissioner. His view is that special operations have merit. It is similar to playing a football match. One must say to the team at some stage that the next five minutes is crucial that points must be scored. One cannot simply state that overtime has nothing to do with it. It does have something to do with it.
Mr. Costello: I have one brief supplementary question.
An Ceann Comhairle: We have gone two and a half minutes over time on this question.
Mr. Costello: What happened to the amnesty the Minister proposed?
Mr. McDowell: When we get the Criminal Justice Bill and the firearms provisions through, I will deal with the amnesty issue. The sooner we get the Criminal Justice Bill through the better.
Mr. J. O’Keeffe: The Minister might set out the full list of proposals.
Mr. McDowell: I would like to do that.
Mr. J. O’Keeffe: I requested it a few months ago. It is important.
Mr. McDowell: I will write to the Deputies setting out everything that is planned in respect of that Bill.
Mr. J. O’Keeffe: That is a good idea so we will not have the debacle that we do with the current Bill.
An Ceann Comhairle: The Minister and the Deputy cannot have a friendly chat.
Mr. J. O’Keeffe: It is not exactly friendly.

Mr. McDowell: I will write to the Deputies setting out everything that is planned in respect of that Bill.

33. Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for a gun amnesty; when it is likely to begin; the duration of the amnesty; the type of weapons it will cover; if any conditions will be attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): As the Deputy will be aware, in my speech on Second Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, I announced to the House my intention to introduce amendments to the Firearms Acts, in the course of Committee Stage of the Bill, which will establish a statutory basis for a period during which firearms can be surrendered to the Gárda Síochána. The proposed amendment will allow me, by order, to declare a period during which firearms, ammunition and offensive weapons may be handed in to Garda stations. My detailed proposals in this regard will be announced to the House in the normal way in due course.

39. Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Question Nos. 166 and 167 of 13 October 2004, if the promised legislation (details supplied) will be in place before 31 October 2005. [21326/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The control of the importation, manufacture, storage, sale and use of fireworks is provided for under the Explosives Act 1875. As the Deputy will be aware last February I published a fireworks policy consultation document and initiated a process of consultation with a view to bringing forward proposals for amending and strengthening the provisions in the 1875 Act. My Department has received a wide range of submissions in response to the consultation document which are currently being examined. However, it is already clear, from the submissions received to date, that, among the options for change outlined in the consultation document, there is a general welcome for my proposals to strengthen the enforcement provisions, in the 1875 Act.

I now propose to use the opportunity presented by the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently before the House, to make the necessary amendments to the 1875 Act. I propose to bring forward, on Committee Stage of that Bill, amendments which will provide for new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places and an offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. I am also proposing to significantly increase penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

The Criminal Justice Bill is currently at second stage in the House and it is my intention to have it enacted as quickly as possible.

185. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are now unvetted staff working in child care posts in the South Western Area Health Board area due to the fact that the board’s child care directorate will no longer refer employees that are not directly employed and funded by an ADM staffing grant, that is, community employment child care workers, to the Garda vetting unit, and that this has made it impossible to obtain Garda clearance for community employment child care workers, due to the fact that this is a requirement of staffing grants under ADM Limited contracts, and due to the fact that FÁS is refusing to get involved and the Garda vetting unit will not deal directly with an employer; and the action he will take to resolve this matter, including communication with his counterparts in other Departments. [21780/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I would the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 8 and 43 of today’s date. The Garda central vetting unit, GCVU, carries out criminal record vetting in respect of, inter alia, prospective full-time employees of the Health Service Executive and in certain agencies funded by the executive, as well as in respect of prospective child care workers on equal opportunities childcare schemes funded by my Department. The unit currently deals with approximately 100,000 vetting applications per annum. Although the groups referred to by the Deputy cannot currently avail of this vetting regime, these will be covered by a planned phased extension of Garda vetting arrangements to all relevant sectors and groups. I am pleased to state that this extension will commence later this year, as soon as the necessary practical arrangements are in place, and public announcements will occur in this regard in due course.

246. Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23131/05]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O’Donoghue): The question refers to the High Court decision of 6 March 2002 and Supreme Court decision of 16 July 2003, and while the name of the case was not included in the question it would appear that the Deputy is referring to the decision in the case of Vincent Browne v the Attorney General. The Supreme Court in this case decided that an EC regulation could only be transposed by regulations under a provision of an Act of the Oireachtas, which specifically allows for the transposition of an EC regulation.

The parameters of the decision in the Browne case were considered by the Supreme Court in the subsequent case of Thomas Kennedy v the Attorney General, the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources. The Supreme Court in its decision in that case of 31 May 2005 clarified the limits of its earlier decision in the Browne case and decided that EU policy can only be implemented by regulations made under an Act of the Oireachtas where the Act specifically allows for the implementation of EU policy by regulations. The Attorney General will shortly advise the Government on action to be taken to address the issues raised in these cases.

336. Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to ensure that his Department complies with the decisions of the High Court of 6 March 2002 and of the Supreme Court of 16 July 2003 that any ministerial order having the effect of creating an indictable offence is ultra vires; if this decision has been upheld by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23137/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Office of the Attorney General is always consulted by my Department in the context of preparation of legislation or indeed in assessing whether legislation is required. Advice is also sought and provided in relation to the terms of EU and international agreements, framework decisions and bilateral agreements in relation to mutual assistance. In so far as this particular case is concerned, I understand that the Attorney General will shortly be advising the Government on the action to be taken to address the issues raised in this and a more recent related case.