Finian McGrath wrote:

...
That brings me to the issue, related to discussion of the Bill, of guns in society. We need to examine this and to be vigilant. The Bill is important in that it targets those senior criminals who are making the money, but then it is important that the money is distributed to the people who have suffered as a consequence of these bully-boy antics. Many communities have been intimidated. Recently, I attended a number of meetings in my constituency about the fact that whole streets were being intimidated by a certain gang. One gang leader, together with around 20 or 30 young men, was spreading fear up and down those streets and the families were so intimidated they would not even dream of going near the Garda. They were telephoning local TDs such as myself and asking them to intervene and talk to the senior gardaí. We need to focus on that, because there is a significant element of society that is being marginalised and left out there on its own. When making these points, it is important that we say to those in middle Ireland who think drug-taking is acceptable in some way that they must accept responsibility as well, because the drug dealers will follow the market. If there is a market in the affluent Ireland for cocaine, the drug dealers will move into it and make money on the back of it. That needs to be said.

At present, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, of which I am a member, is doing a lot of valuable work, under Deputy David Stanton, on gangland crime in the community. We have held a lot of hearings. We have heard presentations from all the different voluntary groups, drugs groups, parents' groups and victims of crime, and we will be producing a comprehensive report. I hope the Minister will support the recommendations when that report is issued in either the summer or the autumn.

...

When talking about crime and the proceeds of crime, as I mentioned earlier, we also need to think about the issue of firearms. There is significant a public safety concern among broader society about the availability of firearms, both legal and illegal. According to recent research done by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, there are around 150,000 unregistered firearms. I am not talking about the responsible gun owners and the sensible people. I am talking about unregistered firearms. It is important to mention the threat to broader society. Between 2005 and 2008, 31 handguns were stolen and 1,236 other civilian firearms were stolen. Of the 1,236 firearms, only 373 were recovered. We need to be focused, and responsible gun owners need to be vigilant.
They need to be careful. We need strong regulation and commonsense when dealing with this issue because we have enough guns in the broader society, a fact which must be recognised.

...

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
129. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the review of firearms legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19058/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

In light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/ An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by the Department of Justice and Equality to review firearms licensing. The report of this Working Group was published on 13 November 2014 and submissions on the report were sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The consultation process gave individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation.

The Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality also sought submissions and held hearings with interested parties in relation to the Working Party report and published an interim report on the matter.

As part of the process of consultation I gave a commitment that I would not make any decisions until I had met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I had a useful meeting with the key stakeholders on 29 April 2015 and consideration of the issues involved is continuing.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
104. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans regarding the review of firearms; the timeframe she expects in relation to recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22574/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

In light of public safety concerns highlighted by An Garda Síochána, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by the Department of Justice and Equality to review firearms licensing. The report of this Working Group was published on 13 November 2014 and submissions on the report were sought from stakeholders and the public by 31 January 2015. The consultation process gave individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation.

The Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality also sought submissions and held hearings with interested parties in relation to the Working Party report and published an interim report on the matter.
As part of the process of consultation I gave a commitment that I would not make any decisions until I had met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I had a useful meeting with the key stakeholders on 29 April 2015 and consideration of the issues involved, including the concerns of those who use firearms for sporting purposes, is continuing.

I expect this process to be concluded in the near future.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
154. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the review of firearms licensing legislation; if the concerns of the National Association of Regional Game Councils and the Sports Coalition have been given detailed consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28065/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

As part of the consultation process for the on-going review of firearms licensing I have given a commitment that I would not make any decisions until I had met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes. I had a useful meeting with the key stakeholders on 29 April 2015. Consideration of the issues involved, including the Sports Coalition (of which the National Association of Regional Games Councils is a member) proposals, is continuing. I intend to conclude consideration of the issues in the near future.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
391. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding firearms legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30167/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

The Deputy has raised a number of questions in relation to the accuracy of statistics on stolen firearms provided from the PULSE system and the impact of this in relation to decision making. The Deputy will be aware that following a detailed analysis of PULSE data in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime, the CSO has recently resumed publication of the quarterly crime figures, along with an analysis of how the issues identified in the Garda Inspectorate Report on Crime Investigations impact on the production of these statistics. The analysis carried out by both the CSO and the Garda Inspectorate has identified common issues of concern in relation to Garda crime recording processes and systems. A significant number of these relate to ICT issues and some of them are specifically in relation to PULSE.

The Garda Commissioner has taken a number of steps to respond to the concerns identified in the Inspectorate report, including the establishment of a new Data Quality Team in the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC), as well as measures to strengthen PULSE governance arrangements. These measures form part of broader steps to take forward the Inspectorate’s recommendations, including plans to upgrade and improve the technology for recording of crime and policing activity.

The compilation and publication of crime statistics is a matter in the first instance for the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency. The CSO is currently carrying out a detailed analysis of certain issues raised by the Inspectorate in relation to the recording, classification and reclassification of crime, to see whether and to what extent they may have implications for the crime statistics which that Office produces. I understand that substantial work has been carried out on this project since the report's publication, and that this work is ongoing. In addition, the CSO has also agreed to chair an expert panel to examine the Inspectorate's recommendations on crime statistics. The expert panel will review the crime counting and detection rules, as recommended by the Inspectorate, with a view to introducing new national standards

On the question of compensation and the possession of a firearm being a privilege, I wish to refer the Deputy to Section 13 of the Working Group report on the Review of Firearms Licensing which was published in November 2014.

To quote from section 13:
"In Magee V Murray (2008, Judge Birmingham) it is stated in summary: “The possession of every firearm is illegal unless authorised by law. The possession of a firearm is not a right, but it is a privilege...”.

A similar view was expressed in McCarron V Kearney by Charleton J. (High Court, 4 July 2008)."

Section 13 also notes that the Courts have taken the view that what is in the State’s gift cannot be required to be compensated if it is withdrawn. For example, in Gorman v Minister for the Environment (2001, Judge Carney) it was held that the absence of compensation for permitting the issuance of taxi licences to anyone qualified was constitutional.

Finally, insofar as consultation with the Attorney General in relation to legislative changes is concerned, I can confirm to the Deputy that any legislative changes are subject to consultation with the Attorney General.

Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
529. To ask 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]

530. To ask 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]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I 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.

Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

566. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider appointing appropriate representatives from national shooting sports organisations such as the National Sports Coalition to the new firearms and appeals authority, which is due to be established, to ensure a reasonable and rational approach to shooting sports activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37742/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I recently announced fundamental long term reforms of firearms licensing including the establishment of a new Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. The functions of the Authority will be subject to further consultation with key stakeholders in advance of the preparation of the necessary enabling legislation, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. I have also sought submissions on the proposed Authority from the Firearms Consultative Panel, which is made up of key stakeholders, including the Sports Coalition. Accordingly, it is premature at this stage to decide on the make up of the Authority before the consultation process.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
337. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of firearms licensing legislation: if the concerns of the National Association of Regional Game Councils and the Sports Coalition have been given detailed consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39613/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can advise the Deputy that I recently announced a series of changes to the licensing of firearms. My announcement followed an extensive consultation process with key stakeholders and hearings by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence on a report from a Joint Garda Síochána/Department of Justice and Equality Working Group published in November 2014. The changes announced will address issues in the short term but also map out the longer term future for a licensing system which balances the rights of those who wish to pursue their interests with public safety, which has to be the paramount consideration. I understand the Sports Coalition (of which the National Association of Regional Games Council is a member) has welcomed and fully endorsed my announcement.
My intention is to make fundamental long term reforms in this area by proposing legislation for a Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. The functions of the Authority will be subject to further consultation with key stakeholders in advance of the preparation of the necessary enabling legislation, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence.

As part of the review process, I announced my intention to re-establish the Firearms Consultative Panel. The re-established panel had their first meeting on 29 October 2015. It is made up of key stakeholders, including the Sports Coalition. This panel provides a valuable forum for contact and discussion between my Department and representatives of shooting organisations, An Garda Siochana and other interested parties. I have sought submissions from the Firearms Consultative Panel on a number of issues affecting licensed gun owners including the proposed Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. I look forward to building on the positive relationships developed between representative organisations and my Department during the review of firearms licensing and I look forward to continued open and positive dialogue with all representative organisations.

I have notified the Garda Inspectorate that I intend to ask them to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána when the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority is in place for a period of 12 months.
I have introduced an immediate temporary cap on the licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles pending the establishment and determination of the Authority. Legislation will provide for the revocation of any licenses issued before the enactment of the legislation and it is intended that anyone applying for licenses of this nature will be informed of that fact.
I have signed secondary legislation re-defining what constitutes a non-restricted handgun. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure persons who currently hold licences for handguns will be able to reapply for a license in the current licensing round. This legislation clarifies for An Garda Síochána what firearms may be considered by them for licensing.

In line with my commitment to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland, I am continuing to monitor the number of 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns being licensed. If there is a significant increase in the number of applications for new certificates or import licence applications for these handguns, I will introduce priority legislation for a future cap.
Finally, the Garda Commissioner intends to establish a centralised licensing system for restricted firearms, pending the establishment and determination of the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority. The Garda Commissioner is preparing a detailed outline of the proposed work of the centralised licensing system for my consideration.

Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
This is my second time around. I have a question on drugs and firearms for the Commissioner. My question is specific to the proliferation of firearms and their availability. More specifically, this afternoon Mountjoy Prison is currently in lock-down as a result of the discovery of a quantity of weapons in a restricted area of the prison.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Did that happen today?

Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Today, as we speak. The committee has done a great deal of work on the issue and made proposals on the firearms licensing regime. The Chairman has spent a great deal of time working on the project along with Deputy McGrath. The proposed licensing authority is independent of An Garda Síochána. Will the authority be more of a consultative body rather than an administrative function for the force? Does the Commissioner believe that the new authority will speed up the licensing of firearms and ensure that we have quality control for licensed firearms that are licensed in this country? Will the initiative free up resources to allow An Garda Síochána tackle illegal firearms and weapons that are in the public domain?

Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:
An important distinction must be made. They are two separate things. In terms of firearms licensing, the centralised authority is a very welcome initiative in so far as it will provide consistency in decision-making around the application of the granting or otherwise of firearms licences. I would not like to give the committee the impression that we are suggesting, in any way, that licensed firearms are the same.

Alan Farrell (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
I hope I made that distinction.

Ms Nóirín O'Sullivan:
Yes, I thank the Deputy. The proliferation of what I call illegal firearms tend to be around organised crime, criminality and dissident activities. That is important to mention. The new firearms licensing regime will certainly help greatly. It does not free up a lot of Garda resources because previously, and historically, the job was done by district officers. The district officer will still have an input into the assessment of individuals but added value comes from the centralised decision-making and the consistency of same.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
355. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the number of handgun licences legally permitted. [46164/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to this matter and I will write to the Deputy when I have further information.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
356. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to set down the number of firearm licences revoked in the past five years, including a break-down of the different types of firearms revoked. [46165/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to this matter and I will write to the Deputy when I have further information.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
460. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of requirements for parental involvement in training 14 to 16 year olds in the use of firearms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46474/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can advise the Deputy that in accordance with Section 2A of the Firearms Act, 1925, as amended, a person over 14 years of age can apply for a firearms training certificate. Where the applicant is under 16 years of age, the application must be accompanied by the written consent of the applicant's parent of guardian. The training certificate authorises the person to possess a firearm only while carrying and using the firearm for hunting or target shooting and under the supervision of a specified person over 18 years of age who holds a firearms certificate in respect of the firearm concerned. The Garda Síochána deciding officer in any individual case may impose other conditions in the interests of public safety and security.

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
461. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the legislation covering night sights on rifles and guns given that these are being sold in various supermarket outlets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46475/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can advise the Deputy that S.1(g)(i) of the Firearms Act as amended, defines the following component parts of a firearm as actual ‘firearms’ under the Act: ‘telescope sights with a light beam, or telescope sights with an electronic amplification device or an infra-red device, designed to be fitted to a firearm....’.

Applicants for firearm certificates may apply at the time of their application for or during the lifetime of their firearm certificate, to have such component parts attached to the grant of their certificates and may be granted such application if, in the opinion of the issuing Superintendent, the applicant has ‘good reason’ to possess, use and carry these sights.

S.10(1) of the Firearms Act 1925 provides: ‘It shall not be lawful for any person to manufacture, sell, repair, test, or prove, or expose for sale, or have in his possession for sale, repair, test, or proof, by way of trade or business, any firearm or ammunition unless such person is registered in the register of firearms dealers’. If such ‘firearms’ are sold in any place without the seller being currently included in the register of firearms dealers, then that person is guilty of an offence under the Act. If the Deputy has information to that effect it should be brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
503. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of day gun licences issued by An Garda Síochána to a gun club (details supplied) in County Sligo during the 2014 season and during the 2015 season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1342/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I can advise the Deputy that since 1 August 2009, all firearm certificates are issued for a period of three years from the date of grant, unless otherwise revoked. The only exception to three year firearm certificates are firearm certificates granted to non residents of this state which issue for a period of one year from the date of grant. A non resident may apply to the Superintendent of the Garda District where the applicant first proposes to shoot.

Applications for non resident firearm certificates are made on the Non Resident Firearm CertificateApplication form and are considered under Section 2 of the Firearms Certificates for Non Residents Act 2000. A person who is granted a non resident firearm certificate may shoot at any time or times for a period of one year provided he/she complies with the conditions of grant of the certificate.

An Garda Siochana advise that no day gun licences were issued by the Sligo/Leitrim Division during the 2014 or the 2015 season.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
510. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearm licences revoked, in each of the years 2013 to 2015, including a detailed breakdown of the difference types of firearms revoked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1441/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

An Garda Siochana advise that the total number of Firearms Licences revoked from 2013 to 2015 is 335, the details of which are outlined as follows:
YEAR|TYPE|NUMBER
2013|Pistol (Semi Automatic)|6
2013|Revolver|1
2013|Rifle|2
2013|Rifle (Bolt Action)|30
2013|Rifle (Lever Action)|1
2013|Rifle (Pump Action)|9
2013|Shotgun (Pump Action)|1
2013|Shotgun (Semi Automatic)|10
2013|Shotgun (Single Barrel)|25
2013|Shotgun (Under And Over)|56
TOTAL|-|141
YEAR|TYPE|NUMBER
2014|Pistol (Semi Automatic)|5
2014|Rifle|1
2014|Rifle (Bolt Action)|27
2014|Rifle (Pump Action)|5
2014|Shotgun (Pump Action)|4
2014|Shotgun (Semi Automatic)|2
2014|Shotgun (Single Barrel)|22
2014|Shotgun (Under And Over)|46
TOTAL|-|112
YEAR|TYPE|NUMBER
2015|Pistol (Semi Automatic)|1
2015|Rifle (Bolt Action)|21
2015|Rifle (Pump Action)|9
2015|Shotgun (Pump Action)|3
2015|Shotgun (Semi Automatic)|11
2015|Shotgun (Single Barrel)|10
2015|Shotgun (Under And Over)|27
TOTAL|-|82