nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

Parliamentary Questions

Sparks

Since these tend to crop up every so often, I thought a thread was warranted. At some point we should go through the archives I suppose, but that can wait for a cold wet weekend

Today's PQ (as in, this was asked today):

*330. To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fire arm certificates issued to date in 2004; the number issued in 2002 and 2003 under section 3 of the Fire Arms Act 1925; the make, model and type of each fire arm for which such a certificate was issued; the conditions that were applied to such certificates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Michael Noonan. [33338/04]

I'll stick up the response as soon as the minutes are up on the web...

Find more posts tagged with

Quick Links

Comments

Cass

Varadkar wrote:

Ireland is also involved in detailed discussions at EU level on the proposed new EU regulation on preventing the dissemination of terrorism content online

However allowing known or even suspected Daesh personnel to return to Ireland because they have a passport is perfectly fine. :rolleyes:

Burton wrote:

Prime Minister Arden's approach in the aftermath of the horrific shooting and murders in Christchurch set an example globally of statesmanship of which everybody involved in politics, women and men, can be proud.

Nope.

It's an example of a country's leader using a tragedy to put in place legislation they [the Government] already had sitting in desk drawer but could not find an excuse to implement as New Zealand's gun lobby is fairly strong.

And nothing to the fact she done exactly what the shooter said leaders would do when the dust settled from what he done.

Burton wrote:

Following on from the Taoiseach's comments regarding the introduction of further gun control in New Zealand, will he consider the introduction of similar legislation here?

TO WHAT F**KING END?

We have stricter gun laws than New Zealand. This guy was a legal gun owner that went off the rails and you cannot legislate for the unpredictable.

Burton wrote:

There was also a gun attack early last night in Finglas.

Ah yes, scumbags shooting each other with illegal firearms, but sure, lets restrict those with LEGAL firearms that have nothing to do with it.

Sure while we're at it we'll ban all drivers and revoke all driving licenses because that will stop road deaths and drink driving.

We'll castrate all men and that'll stop anyone from being raped.

You [The Government] cannot stop weapons, phones and DRUGS getting into secure places like prisons so you'll excuse me if your virtue signalling means sweet f**k all to me.

Burton wrote:

In the aftermath of the Christchurch murders, did the Taoiseach take the opportunity to review security and gun control here, which, because of the cocaine and other drugs trade, is pretty much out of control?

The key point this feckless fool is ignoring is drugs, and gangs. IOW those that already live outside the law, but again sure, introduce more legislation for them to ignore you absolute bin lid.

Burton wrote:

Will he take a leaf out of New Zealand's book and try to remove guns from Irish society so that our society will not be worn down, exploited and, possibly, destroyed by the drugs trade in terms of the gun violence that it is bringing to the streets of all our major cities and, particularly, the areas he and I represent?

Annnddddd there it is.

She has, without hesitation, made a baseless and unfounded link between gun ownership (in all forms) to drugs, gangs and criminality.

Then quickly followed it up with BAN ALL GUNS. Make no mistake this is the attitude of those that falsely claim to represent us.

Howlin wrote:

It has been said in the past that not only could an attack occur on our own soil in the Republic, but the Republic could be used as a base for an attack on a neighbouring jurisdiction.

The fact he omits here is they are referring to Islamic threats/terrorism.

And what has been done about it? Nothing. More Gardaí have been placed on "water meter watch" than assigned to counter terrorism activities.

Howlin wrote:

The Garda have noted an increase in online activity aimed at an Irish audience of those of the extreme right - the fascist right.

Not a word from this guy when its an attack from the left, silencing free speech, or anything to do with islam/muslims yet as soon as it's the "far right" he immediately makes the leap to facists, and slams them because lets face it he is talking about white men, and it's fashionable to criticise them and putt hem down.

Martin wrote:

The recent spurt of Islamophobic campaigns by politicians in many countries is something we need to fight against not only here but internationally as well

Finally the glue holding this sham of a Government together speaks up and of course starts with the virtue signalling.

Islamaphobia, the word, only started to make an appearance a few years back when people tried to shift the focus to those critical of certain islamic practices. A phobia is an irrational fear, but with 52% of muslims in the UK, Europe and America saying they agree with Shariah law, banning of gay rights, etc. and somewhere between 27to 35% of worldwide muslim population identifying themselves as "extremist" that is over 350,000,000 people that want to see non muslims dead or converted.

That is not irrational.

Martin wrote:

More should be done to promote integration

Agreed but it cut both ways.

Cass

Varadkar wrote:

The Department of Justice and Equality is actively progressing some of these actions, including a ban on new licences for semi-automatic centrefire rifles and the establishment of a firearms assessment and appeals authority.

Told you

Varadkar wrote:

Almost all gun crimes in Ireland are committed using guns that are held illegally and are not licensed. I think it is fair to say that our gun laws are successful in that regard. The issue of illegally held firearms is a separate matter that requires separate action.

Hope Burton reads this bit and stops with the virtue signalling.

Varadkar wrote:

We used that opportunity to review the threat level. We recognised that if a lone-wolf white supremacist from Australia could go to New Zealand and do what he did, a lone-wolf white supremacist here in Ireland, or from Britain, could do something similar here. No country is immune to terrorism.

Competely agree, but AGAIN its not just white supremacists. Its every kind of terrorist/terror related incident.

I have to ask again why is nobody mentioning the fanatical islamist attacks that occur daily around the world. 26,000 in the last 7 years equating to 8 to 10 attacks per day. However we only hear of the ones that occur in the "developed" world and draw the headlines.

Don't mistake anything i've written as some sort of Tommy Robinson regurgitation. IT'S NOT. I am NOT advocating for hate speech, nor inciting violence. I abhor any sort of bullying or violence based on skin colour, religion or persuasion.

However in todays climate if you hold an opinion or view opposed to the mod rule" then you are called facist, Nazi, white supremacist. Free speech is dying, and not slowly, and it's all done under the guise of diversity and inclusion.

If we are to be protected from terror and terrorist acts we must drop the notion of social justice, fight against the repression of free speech/thought, and stop worrying if someone's feelings get hurt.

You won't please everyone, but if you try you'll focus only the issues that get people triggered while ignoring the much larger and more pressing issues at which point you're not doing your job but reacting to the mob rule.

Grizzly 45

Originally Posted by Burto

n
Will he take a leaf out of New Zealand's book and try to remove guns from Irish society so that our society will not be worn down, exploited and, possibly, destroyed by the drugs trade in terms of the gun violence that it is bringing to the streets of all our major cities and, particularly, the areas he and I represent?

Could we expect anything else from ol Iphone Moanie Joanie??? Adnd BTW they didnt ban ALL guns in NZ,and of course it has failed to enter their concrete skulls that it is now COSTING the NZ taxpayer for a buyback that will be about 20o million euros at last count. But dont let theat get in the way of you or the pink sock virtue signalling leader spouting further BS on a subject you know little o r nothing about.

Originally Posted by Varadkar
The Department of Justice and Equality is actively progressing some of these actions, including a ban on new licences for semi-automatic centrefire rifles and the establishment of a firearms assessment and appeals authority.

Nothing new there,they have been talking about this since 2016,and we are looking forward to the buyback under EU legislation the one our pink socked Taosieach kisses ass to, at every opportunityfor even the liscenses issued post 2017.Called Retroactive legislation and illegal under the EU.This FAAA,will they also be looking at the promised review of the Explosives legislation that FG promised us in it's election promises,oh...10 years ago??There is no demand,and no political will to put this in place and it ws Franny Fitzgerald doing this to pull the roasting Garda chestnuts out of the fire of their own making when they tried the gun grab in 2015.This is pink socks Leo making happy noise in the Dail,to show that he is on top of this problem.

Posted by Burton
Prime Minister Arden's approach in the aftermath of the horrific shooting and murders in Christchurch set an example globally of statesmanship of which everybody involved in politics, women and men, can be proud.

BWHAHAHAHA!! Seriously??SURRENDER almost immediately to a terrorist demands is statemanship? And then appease a religion from the mosque that radicalised TWO terrorists of the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris! Thats statesmanship in Burtons book?? NZ ,a nation of the All Blacks,fearsome Maroi warriors and the exellent NZ SAS turned by a horse faced Socialist woman PM into a nation of CUCKS overnight,using handy just for an occasion like this legislation in her drawer:mad::mad::mad:Yeah the Kiwi, is an ideal symbol for there all right,small flightless bird that cant defend itself.If thats statemanship in Moanie Joanie and Pink Socks book,we are well and truely fuked with a capital F as a nation.:(

We in Ireland cannot be complacent. It has been said in the past that not only could an attack occur on our own soil in the Republic, but the Republic could be used as a base for an attack on a neighbouring jurisdiction.

Howlin another Gobdaw of the highest order...
News update for you Brendan. The Republic,HAS been and IS being used by Daesh to plan attacks on people in the EU I give you Jihad Jane in Waterford and the planned assination of Danish cartoonist Lars Vicks. Raschid Radoune and the Irish backup on the London bridge attacks. Our own homegrown Kahlid Kelly who went all over Syria in his kamikaze car bomb. As well as purported Islamist training sessions up in the wicklow mountains,disguised as hitch hiking groups.Only one we havent had yet is an attack,well sort of in that young fellah up in Dundalk last year...On the meantie,what has" the extreme right threat " being doing??Getting batterd by ANTIFA in Dublin and hiding in the Leprachaun museum if we want to classify Peter O Laughlins Pegida Ireland as "extreme right wing":rolleyes::rolleyes: Either Howlin is an utter twit,or he is to gutless and /or blind to accept wthat we are in a war already,and our "neutrality" is useless in this one
God help us all,cos our politicans and leaders cant...

Read

Nekarsulm

We won't mention 20 years ago when attacks WERE being carried out in this jurisdiction, and when Rep.was being used as a bade to attack another jurisdiction......

Cass

Cass wrote: »

The fact he omits here is they are referring to Islamic threats/terrorism.

And what has been done about it? Nothing. More Gardaí have been placed on "water meter watch" than assigned to counter terrorism activities.

Not a word from this guy when its an attack from the left, silencing free speech, or anything to do with islam/muslims yet as soon as it's the "far right" he immediately makes the leap to facists, and slams them because lets face it he is talking about white men, and it's fashionable to criticise them and putt hem down.

Finally the glue holding this sham of a Government together speaks up and of course starts with the virtue signalling.

Cass wrote: »

I have to ask again why is nobody mentioning the fanatical islamist attacks that occur daily around the world. 26,000 in the last 7 years equating to 8 to 10 attacks per day. However we only hear of the ones that occur in the "developed" world and draw the headlines.

So here is their chance. Attacks on the Christian Minority in Sri Lanka. If our "leaders" do not condemn, hold Dail question on, and outright decry these acts of terrorism in the same fashion as they done for the shooting in New Zealand then they are hypocrites and every word is , what we already assumed, virtue signalling. To be seen to actually give a crap about every religion, every race, every gender, when in fact they don't.

I'll await with bated breath.

Sparks

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2019/0421/1044820-sri-lanka/
That's Higgins, Coveney and Junker so far; I'd be surprised if we don't see the same by the end of the day from the rest to be honest.

Cass

Don't misunderstand me, i'm not saying they won't nor am i hoping they won't.

I want to see the same level of condemnation for ALL terrorist attacks (for what little such platitudes do) and not what is currently "in vogue".

I would much rather see action from world leaders against such terrorist attacks rather than "hearts and prayers" or "standing in solidarity" messages sent across social media. The inaction of world leaders is obvious and some, if not a lot of it, seems down to how such actions/repercussions will be viewed based on the ideology of those at the receiving end rather than what is appropriate or necessary to deter future actions.

I have no time for the excuses of "it's racist" because religion is an ideology and not a race and as said above regardless of which religion you claim membership of there is no excuse for such acts and the level of retribution for any act of terror perpetrated on another group simply because of their beliefs should be met with such ferocity that it dissuades any possible future act.

BattleCorp

They'll ban our guns.

That'll teach those pesky Sri Lankan terrorists.

Cass

Sparks wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2019/0421/1044820-sri-lanka/
That's Higgins, Coveney and Junker so far; I'd be surprised if we don't see the same by the end of the day from the rest to be honest.

Be surprised so.

Only took him a little under a week, and only after pressure to do so.

For the New Zealand shootings he was on a Mic within 12 hours.

So as i said above equal condemnation or don't bother with your virtue signalling.

BryanL

We in the Irish Republic, have the more experience than the entire world, of living under the strictest gun regulations in response to the threat of terrorism.

It had NO effect on terrorism.

BryanL

New Zealand acted after the horse bolted and we're told it's Statesmanship.

If they'd had Irish regulations in place he wouldn't have had legal access to the guns and magazines he used.

Not to mind the "I don't like the look o that guidelines"

We can gauge the effect of our Irish regulations by reflecting on the fact the the drug cartels waging war in Dublin have no access to these illegal weapons. Oh wait.....

meathstevie

Cass wrote: »

Be surprised so.

Only took him a little under a week, and only after pressure to do so.

For the New Zealand shootings he was on a Mic within 12 hours.

So as i said above equal condemnation or don't bother with your virtue signalling.

In fairness to the government including Mr Varadkar the President had by then long conveyed his condolences on behalf of himself and the Irish nation.

Let's not forget that the issue of the subversive fundraising campaign by digger and ATM and the first murder of an uninvolved bystander by home grown terrorists since the Omagh bombing would have been the prime issues on his agenda.

Cass

meathstevie wrote: »

In fairness to the government including Mr Varadkar the President had by then long conveyed his condolences on behalf of himself and the Irish nation.

But our unelected leader had personally conveyed his condolences for the Christ church massacre within 12 hours. It took six days for him to do the same for the murder of over 250 Christians, and double that injured.

Let's not forget that the issue of the subversive fundraising campaign by digger and ATM

How many were murdered based on ideology or religious grounds during the course of those robberies? My point is something is always happening and events can move fast, i understand, but it doesn't take long to hold a 5 minute press conference, broadcast a message of condolences or just send out a fecking tweet.

and the first murder of an uninvolved bystander by home grown terrorists since the Omagh bombing would have been the prime issues on his agenda.

A heinous crime undoubtedly, and without making light of it, it occurred three days before the bombings. He, Varadkar, found a microphone really fast when it came to the new zealand massacre.

I'm not saying everyone should start crying and blubbering into a microphone at the drop of a hat, but with all the talk about Islamaphobia i'm noticing a pattern of Islamaphilia.

Sadiq Khan ordered increased patrols and armed police in London after the New Zealand shooting.
Gardaí were present in Dublin mosques as a show of support and protection after the New Zealand shootings.
It was in the news for nearly 5 days.

No patrols for Christian churches after the Sri Lanka bombings. Media coverage for about a day, perhaps two on some channels. A few nods of condolence from some TDs, MPs, and other politicians, but they were watered down in their words and late in coming as with the case of Varadkar.

Sadiq Khan never used the word terrorism nor Christians when talking about the bombings. Hilary Clinton and Barry Obama never used the word Christian either. Varadkar had to "bow to pressure" according to the papers and issue a statement on the attacks.

Its not a competition and it shouldn't be, thats not what i'm calling for. As i said above all acts of terrorism should be met with the same level of contempt and repugnance. However it's not. I'm not foolish or ignorant enough to believe that it's because they don't care, but with virtue signalling being what it is, and the rise in Islamaphilia it seems people are much quicker to be seen to be apologetic when it comes to condoning acts against Muslims than any other faith or religion.

No loss of life is acceptable and again it's not a competition, but for the love of God nearly 800 people killed and injured in 7 separate bombings and it gets a "something happened, to some people" response.

meathstevie

Cass wrote: »

But our unelected leader had personally conveyed his condolences for the Christ church massacre within 12 hours. It took six days for him to do the same for the murder of over 250 Christians, and double that injured.

How many were murdered based on ideology or religious grounds during the course of those robberies? My point is something is always happening and events can move fast, i understand, but it doesn't take long to hold a 5 minute press conference, broadcast a message of condolences or just send out a fecking tweet.

A heinous crime undoubtedly, and without making light of it, it occurred three days before the bombings. He, Varadkar, found a microphone really fast when it came to the new zealand massacre.

I'm not saying everyone should start crying and blubbering into a microphone at the drop of a hat, but with all the talk about Islamaphobia i'm noticing a pattern of Islamaphilia.

Sadiq Khan ordered increased patrols and armed police in London after the New Zealand shooting.
Gardaí were present in Dublin mosques as a show of support and protection after the New Zealand shootings.
It was in the news for nearly 5 days.

No patrols for Christian churches after the Sri Lanka bombings. Media coverage for about a day, perhaps two on some channels. A few nods of condolence from some TDs, MPs, and other politicians, but they were watered down in their words and late in coming as with the case of Varadkar.

Sadiq Khan never used the word terrorism nor Christians when talking about the bombings. Hilary Clinton and Barry Obama never used the word Christian either. Varadkar had to "bow to pressure" according to the papers and issue a statement on the attacks.

Its not a competition and it shouldn't be, thats not what i'm calling for. As i said above all acts of terrorism should be met with the same level of contempt and repugnance. However it's not. I'm not foolish or ignorant enough to believe that it's because they don't care, but with virtue signalling being what it is, and the rise in Islamaphilia it seems people are much quicker to be seen to be apologetic when it comes to condoning acts against Muslims than any other faith or religion.

No loss of life is acceptable and again it's not a competition, but for the love of God nearly 800 people killed and injured in 7 separate bombings and it gets a "something happened, to some people" response.

All considered I think there's a fair point in what you're saying Cass. It doesn't matter who the terrorists are.

As leaders of democracies our political leaders should act with absolute intolerance and use all lawful means, including forceful means, in fighting terrorist barbarism at every opportunity.

Through the course of history people have turned to justifiable and necessary armed insurrection but deliberately shooting or blowing up a bunch of defenceless civilians is about as far removed from that as you possibly could be.

Grizzly 45

meathstevie wrote: »

but deliberately shooting or blowing up a bunch of defenceless civilians is about as far removed from that as you possibly could be.

"The objective of terrorism is to terrorise!" VI Lenin
It's a ****e theory,you terrorise the victim pouplation into them accepting your demands by them demanding that their govt sceede to your demands.Well,maybe not,considering how quick NZ gave into the demand of gun confiscation by that Eco Fascist.

Sparks

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Donnchadh Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
445. To ask the Tiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of times firearms certificates have been granted to personnel from other jurisdictions; the personnel granted certificates and the circumstances in which they were granted. [18543/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)

Firstly, I assume the Deputy is primarily referring to official foreign security personnel who accompany certain persons, such as visiting dignitaries and others, when travelling to this State. The general legal position is that under Section 2(2)(b) of the Firearms (Firearms Certificate for Non-Residents) Act 2000, the Minister for Justice and Equality has a power to grant firearms certificates, including to official foreign security personnel, where it is deemed necessary to do so. This is a normal and established feature of international relations between states.

Decisions in relation to the grant of certificates to official foreign security personnel are made following consultation with An Garda Sh. As the House will appreciate, for obvious reasons, it is long standing practice not to comment in detail on matters relating to security in such circumstances.

Firearms certificates were granted in respect of a total of 131 such personnel in 2017 and a total of 134 in 2018.

In addition, a number of firearms certificates were issued to State personnel from other jurisdictions in different circumstances. These included certificates granted for ceremonial purposes; to a veterinary team; and foreign defence personnel who were participating in target shooting competitions or target shooting training courses in the State. Separately, firearms certificates for non-residents who wish to shoot in the State for hunting and sporting purposes are issued by An Garda Sh.

Thursday, 9 May 2019

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
173. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which conservation measures continue in respect of grouse, pheasant, partridge and woodcock; the degree to which their natural habitat remains protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20304/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

The conservation of red grouse has been approached with some success on a collaborative basis by hunters, bird conservationists and my Department over a number of years. The principal need is to ensure good habitat for the species and work has been carried out particularly by game club members and grouse enthusiasts on many bog areas, such as Boleybrack Mountain, Glenfarne and Ballydangan. Sustainable grazing regimes in commonage lands is being supported through Commonage Management Plans in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s GLAS scheme, which in turn should favour red grouse.

The pheasant is an introduced species and is managed mainly by gun clubs around the country.

The grey partridge was on the verge of extinction but a project continues on lands owned by my Department at Boora in County Offaly to provide good habitat, and associated predator control, in order to protect and enhance the population. This project in turn has supplied birds to projects in Fingal and Co Donegal. The GLAS scheme includes a measure for grey partridge in targeted lands in Boora, Fingal and Co. Donegal. The partridge remains at low population levels however.

Woodcock is a breeding species but numbers are greatly increased by winter migrants. The sale of woodcock was banned some years ago by my Department on foot of recommendations by the hunting associations to assist in their conservation.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
176. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter regarding licences for shooting deer (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20187/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Applicants can now apply to my Department for deer hunting licences for the next 2019/20 season. While the application form does ask applicants to indicate if they have a recognised certification in deer matters, it is not a mandatory requirement to have such certification in order to apply for a deer hunting licence for the 2019/20 season.

Cass

This:

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)While the application form does ask applicants to indicate if they have a recognised certification in deer matters, it is not a mandatory requirement to have such certification in order to apply for a deer hunting licence for the 2019/20 season.

We have been saying for the last few years that no course is mandatory and although one is being introduced, according to the Minister, i still have one large question (actually it's multifaceted).

Who runs these approved courses?

The follow up is obviously:

How does an organisation/association have their course recognised?
Who will be the adjudicators of these courses and the people running it?
What qualifications will these adjudicators have to grant them the ability to grant authorisation to the various courses?
What form will it take?
Is there a fee, like the authorised range fee, going to be attached to such certification?
What oversight will be applied to courses?
Will certificates of official recognition be granted to the courses/bodies running them?
Will such certification have liability issues?
Will it be competency or proficiency being tested or both?
Will courses "disappear" as their ability to host the shooting aspect reduce/disappear?

There could be more to consider.

Sparks

Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
1009. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a derogation will be sought for a proposal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23620/19]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
1010. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the detail of the new restrictions on the use of lead in firearms (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23529/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1009 and 1010 together.

The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) was developed under the UN Convention on Migratory Species. Ireland signed up to the Agreement in 2003. The agreement includes a commitment that “Parties shall endeavour to phase out the use of lead shot for hunting in wetlands as soon as possible in accordance with self-imposed and published timetables.”

The European Commission have published a draft Regulation for consideration by Member States on the use of lead shot in wetlands following a report on the matter by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). My Department’s position is to support the AEWA commitment to phase out the use of lead shot over wetlands. The draft Commission Regulation, if accepted by Member States, would appear reasonable in the circumstances as it is in line with the AEWA commitment. It is also my understanding that the draft Regulation will provide for a reasonable lead-in time to allow hunters to make the necessary arrangements to source alternatives to lead shot.

My Department had already had discussions with a major hunting body on the draft Regulation and will be engaging with other interested parties on the matter.

Wednesday, 12 June 2019

MicheMartin (Leader of the Opposition; Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
145. To ask the Tiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the number of gun silencers sold here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24542/19]

MicheMartin (Leader of the Opposition; Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
146. To ask the Tiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the licensing requirements for gun silencers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/19]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that I have requested a report on the matter from the Garda Commissioner and I will write further to the Deputy once this report has been received.

Nekarsulm

What bee has Michel Martin got in his bonnet about suppressors, I wonder?
Has he been watching too much TV, and thinks sport shooters are buying them gor their rifles, and secretly using them on hand guns, either legal or illegal?

oldgit1897

"Silencers" :rolleyes:

BattleCorp

Mehole Martin probably saw the pic of the illegal handgun with a silencer on it that the Gardai recovered about a month ago.

Cass

Once again a case of what could more legislation do?

Suppressors are regulated and require a license. Anyone caught using one without the authorisation from the Super/Chief Super is immediately guilty of an offense and breaking the law. As criminals with illegally held guns don't obey the laws anyway, inflicting yet more restrictions on legal gun owners is an exercise in futility not to mention asinine.

However that has never stopped them and they're thinking will be two fold:

Ban them so criminals "cannot get them" (cause that worked so well with the guns/suppressors they currently have)
If they're banned, so what

Rosahane

BattleCorp wrote: »

Mehole Martin probably saw the pic of the illegal handgun with a silencer on it that the Gardai recovered about a month ago.

If FF get back into government - especially a coalition, we should canvass for Meehaul as Minister for Justice as we could pretty much guarantee no annoying new legislation during his tenure as he has a history of never making a decision

Nekarsulm

Perhaps drop him a letter to his Dail office outlining the rigerous procedure currently in place, the benefits to the sports person and the public, and the reality of the current process, whereby certain Supers operate an effective ban on suppressors to new applicants. (illegally)

oldgit1897

I really don't get the attitude towards moderators. Their use should be encouraged. Even during the dark days of the troubles, i had no bother wandering into Cahills of Naas and walking out 5 mins later with a Parker Hale mod for my bunny basher .22.

solarwinds

Nekarsulm wrote: »

Perhaps drop him a letter to his Dail office outlining the rigerous procedure currently in place, the benefits to the sports person and the public, and the reality of the current process, whereby certain Supers operate an effective ban on suppressors to new applicants. (illegally)

The man does not care nor has he any interest in being educated on such matters. All he cares about is his 5 minutes, he is being seen to ask questions about a relevant hot topic at the moment because everyone else is.
In time their focus will shift onto the new in thing to be seen to be tackling. Not much talk about the debacle that is the children's hospital recently. They are as easily distracted as a cat with a laser pointer.

BryanL

It'd be interesting if there was a single claim made for hearing damage cause by the refusal of a moderator.

Grizzly 45

Maybe we should also ask Flanagan on the following?
[1] How many silencers have been found in criminal possesion that came from legal manufacturers[IE marked ith a trade name and serial nr?] or are homebuilt devices found in criminal possesion or use?

[2] How many silencers have been used in the last 25 years in gangland shootings in Ireland that are homemade or were stolen from civillian shooters in Ireland or came from ligit manufacturers??

Also,I wonder is this Mehole trying to cash in on the coat tails of Prez Trumps love in with Piers Morgan before he came over here where he said in an interview,that he didnt like silencers and would like to see them gone from the US? :eek::eek:
Like WTRF is he thinking??If he wants to lose in 2020 he had better start not peeing off the US gunowners who voted for him.:mad:
What with bumpstock bans,Red flag legislation,and now trying to bring the Lautenberg act back to life,which simply died because it is unworkable...

Conversely his two sons Esp Donald Jnr ,is a great fan of them and endorses their use.So he had better have a word in pop's ear that this is not good policy.:(

whydave

Nekarsulm wrote: »

What bee has Michel Martin got in his bonnet about suppressors, I wonder?
Has he been watching too much TV, and thinks sport shooters are buying them gor their rifles, and secretly using them on hand guns, either legal or illegal?

Could be this ........
Virginia Beach shooter killed 12 using silencer and high-capacity magazine. Now, lawmakers might look at both.
Link

Grizzly 45

Wonder was it an actual Class 3 registerd and taxed device,or a homebuilt,Wish.com "solvent trap" device? If it was the former,then the Federal backround check of 6 months was an utter fail,if it was the latter,it makes a mockery of having these under legislation same as machine guns.