332. Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is possible for any Minister to state the exact number of firearms licences that were issued by the State in the years 2000 to 2004, inclusive, under section 22(9) of the Wildlife Act 1976; the reason there is difficulty accessing the information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23323/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Section 22(9) provides that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may grant a licence to a person to hunt, capture or humanely kill a protected wild bird of a species specified in the licence.

In so far as the granting of licences for hunting is concerned, I presume the Deputy’s question refers to section 29 of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, which provides for the granting of licences to hunt exempted wild mammals and protected birds.

Records relating to such licences were not fully computerised until 2003 and the attached table outlines the figures for firearm certificates with endorsement under section 29 of the Wildlife Act in those years. Firearms certificates, as the Deputy is aware, are granted annually and the number of firearm certificates endorsed in 2000, 2001, and 2002 would be of a similar order to those in 2003 and 2004.
Firearm certificates with endorsement
2003 2004
95,108 98,841

501. Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Questions Nos. 8 and 43 of 23 June 2005, the number of times and the frequency with which the implementation group meets; when the Garda vetting will be expanded to include youth and community workers both paid and non-paid; if he will provide information regarding arrangements in operation for the exchange of information with the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23699/05]

502. Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 8 and 43 of 23 June 2005, if there are measures in place to vet leaders, organisers and coaches that are running summer camps and sports camps for children ranging from five to 18 years in age by the Garda central vetting unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23700/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to takes Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.

The implementation group on Garda vetting, which is chaired by the Garda authorities, has met on six occasions to date since its first meeting in November 2004, with an average frequency of approximately one meeting every five weeks.

Regarding the exchange of information, I am informed by the Garda authorities that reciprocal arrangements are in place to facilitate direct contacts between the Garda Síochána and the police services of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

As previously advised, a phased extension of the current vetting arrangements to relevant sectors and groups involving the substantial, unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults will take place, including to the kinds of client groups identified by the Deputy. It is not possible to provide precise dates for this phased extension but work within the implementation group is progressing apace in this regard.

617. Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Questions Nos. 796 of 26 January 2005 and 240 of 23 March 2005, if the pistols and revolvers stolen in 2002, 2003 and 2004 were legally held by the Garda or the Defence Forces at the time they were stolen as no private person during these years could legally hold such firearms; the number of other stolen firearms in 2002, 2003 and 2004 which were legally held by members of the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22697/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): According to the Garda authorities the category of “pistol-revolver” on the crime recording system is broad and captures different types of pistols and revolvers including starting pistols, air pistols, antique pistols and flare pistols. Starting pistols, antique pistols and flare pistols do not require a firearm certificate for possession, use or carriage. Where an air pistol falls under the definition of a firearm contained in the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2000 a firearm certificate is required for possession, use or carriage.

With regard to the figures relating to pistols the six pistols-revolvers stolen in 2002 refer to starting pistols, flare pistols and air pistols. There were two antique revolvers stolen in 2002 and both had the barrel bored and the hammer filed down to render them incapable of firing. The 17 pistols-revolvers stolen in 2003 refer to air pistols, starting pistols and starting revolvers. There was one revolver stolen in 2003 which had been rendered incapable of firing. The pistols-revolvers stolen in 2004 were two air pistols.

The Garda authorities inform me that the information in relation to firearms stolen in 2002, 2003 and 2004, which are legally held by members of the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces, is not readily available but is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.

476. To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision of his Department to terminate the long held shooting rights of a gun club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Pat Carey. [35191/05]

53. To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amendments he intends to introduce to the Criminal Justice Bill to reflect one of the key recommendation in the Ferns Report which would provide for a law on reckless endangerment as is in existence in the State of Massachusetts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. —Ciaran Cuffe. [35758/05]

civdef wrote:

According to the Irish Times the finalised version of the Bill goes before the Cabinet today.

Ray,
I noticed today that it was announced in the Irish Times that the Cabinet were to be presented with the amendments to the CJB; have you any idea how long it will be between this and the amendments being publicly available?
Thank you...

Mark
No formal word yet. It certainly wont be until early December at the earliest because of the volume and complexity of the amendments for the full Bill. Thanks

476. Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision of his Department to terminate the long held shooting rights of a gun club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35191/05]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Irish Prison Service has commissioned various surveys and others studies on the lands referred to. These studies and surveys are underway at present and are due to continue for some time to come. The decision to terminate the shooting rights of the gun club referred to by the Deputy was, therefore, an operational one by the Irish Prison Service, taken for security and safety reasons. While it is not likely that it will be possible to reverse this decision, the matter will be kept under review.

52. Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the protocol and regulations in place for the use of Defence Forces weapons at public or publicity events; the safety guidelines that govern the use of such weapons by non-Defence Forces personnel at such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38253/05]

Mr. Kitt: The items usually displayed by the Defence Forces at public or publicity events such as charity events, recruitment drives etc. include vehicles, armoured vehicles or aircraft, technical equipment such as radios and engineering equipment, and clothing or personal kit items. Defence Forces weapons are not displayed at public or publicity events.

From time to time events arise which are organised, controlled and secured by Defence Forces personnel, such as visits by VIPs, where non-Defence Forces personnel are permitted to handle weapons. These types of events are normally conducted within the confines of military establishments and all weapons are handled under the supervision of suitably qualified Defence Forces personnel and are, of course, not loaded.

Mr. Sherlock: I recognise the Minister did not mean to cause offence by posing for these photographs but does the Minister of State accept that the portrayal of him handling weapons in this manner sends an inappropriate message to the public? Does he agree that the playful style of the image can glamourise the use of weapons at a time when we were in the midst of gangland killings involving illegally held weapons?

Mr. Kitt: I accept what Deputy Sherlock is saying. I will repeat what my colleague, the Minister for Defence, said. He visited the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh on 16 November to attend a display by the Army Ranger Wing to mark its 25th anniversary and to open a new stores facility at the ARW headquarters. The display consisted of a number of training exercises and simulated rescues, including two practical demonstrations of static room assaults and fast rope hostage extraction, and static demonstrations of weapons, equipment and vehicles. He was invited to inspect the weapons on display and this was done under constant military supervision. It was an open media event with those present being given the maximum access possible subject to safety and security considerations.

The Minister has asked me to reiterate his deep regret if people’s sensitivities were offended by the pictures of him widely published in the media handling the weapons on display. The photographs used were selected by the media, not by the Minister. He has made it clear that he regrets what happened and has apologised to those who were offended by it.

Mr. Sherlock: Can the Minister of State assure us that the Minister will not take part in such events in the future?

Mr. Kitt: I can say that most definitely on behalf of my colleague. The Minister also regrets if an impression was given in the media that his participation at the event was an attempt to glamorise gun crime. He would not wish that to be the case. His intention on the day was to highlight the professionalism of the ARW, the excellence of its training and the sophistication of the equipment provided to it. I recall when I was Minister of State with responsibility for overseas development visiting the Army in Liberia where I saw at first hand the quality of its equipment and professionalism of its personnel. The Minister was anxious to portray that and I assure the House it will not happen again.

Mr. Sherlock: The Minister of State is very positive in his replies and has made important points. I hope there will be action on the matters raised. The Minister for Defence, Deputy O’Dea, is participating in RTE’s television coverage of the budget. Is this a legitimate reason for him to miss Question Time?

Deputies: Hear, hear.

Mr. Durkan: I hope the Minister is not wearing a gun.

Mr. McCormack: He is having his photograph taken.

Mr. Kitt: It is rare that there is such a fantastic audience for Question Time. I mentioned at the outset that the Minister is in the RTE studio. I assume Members from other parties are also there.

Mr. J. O’Keeffe: Has the Minister got his weapon with him?

Mr. Durkan: I hope he has left his bazooka behind.

Mr. Kitt: It is important that representatives of the Government should communicate the issues under discussion today in the public domain. It is quite normal that the Minister should be at the studio. I will convey Deputy Sherlock’s good wishes to him.

458. Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if reports have been received of persons carrying guns as a form of fashion accessory; if so, the nature of these reports; if carrying guns has become so prevalent as to require special consideration by the Government and Houses of the Oireachtas. [2766/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I am informed by the Garda authorities that they have no intelligence which indicates that persons are carrying guns as a form of fashion accessory. As the Deputy will be aware, any person wishing to possess, carry or use a firearm must obtain a firearms certificate from a Garda superintendent and comply with specific requirements under the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2000. Any person found in possession of, carrying or using a firearm in contravention of the Firearms Acts is subject, on conviction, to a fine of up to €635 or imprisonment of up to a maximum of five years or both. In this regard, I wish to inform the Deputy that, in the context of the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently before the House, I propose to bring forward a wide range of amendments which will strengthen the law governing the control of firearms. Included in these proposals are measures which will introduce new offences concerning the modification of firearms such as “sawing off” a shotgun; increase the fines and penalties generally for offences under the Firearms Acts; and create mandatory minimum sentences, of between five and ten years, for certain firearms offences, including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, possession of a firearm with criminal intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, possession of a firearm while hijacking a vehicle, and use or production of a firearm to resist arrest.

I also propose providing a statutory basis for an amnesty during which firearms may be surrendered to the Garda Síochána before new penalties and minimum mandatory sentences are introduced. The amnesty will enable those in possession of firearms who are not in compliance with the legal requirements to regularise their position, and thus enable the Garda Síochána to concentrate on more serious offenders.

25. Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the crime statistics 2005, a firearms amnesty system will be introduced in order to remove illegally held weapons from circulation here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3577/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose bringing forward a range of measures to strengthen the law governing the control of firearms in the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is currently before the House. These new measures include increases in fines and penalties generally for offences under the Firearms Acts and the creation of mandatory minimum sentences, of between five and ten years, for certain firearms offences, including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances, possession of firearm with criminal intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, possession of a firearm while hijacking a vehicle, and use or production of a firearm to resist arrest.

In this context I also propose to introduce a statutory basis for an amnesty during which firearms may be surrendered to the Gárda Síochána before the proposed new penalties and minimum mandatory sentences are introduced. This will enable those in possession of firearms, who are not in compliance with the legal requirements, to regularise their position and thus enable the Gárda Síochána to concentrate on more serious offenders.

30. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an obvious escalation in serious and often fatal gun crime; if extra resources will be allocated to combat organised crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3535/06]

178. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fatal shootings with particular reference to gangland incidents in 2005; his proposals to combat the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3755/06]

179. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he proposes to take to combat organised crime including robberies, shootings, witness intimidation, extortion, protection, racketeering or other similar activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3756/06]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 178 and 179 together.

The Garda Síochána employs a range of techniques in the fight against serious crime. The establishment of specialist Garda units, operating under an assistant commissioner in charge of national support services, has enabled the Garda Síochána to tackle organised crime effectively. The National Bureau of Criminal Investigation is the Garda specialist unit tasked with the role of tackling organised crime and it carries out this role by conducting intelligence-driven operations in close co-operation with other specialist units, including the Garda national drugs unit, the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

In November 2005, the Garda Commissioner arranged for the allocation of an additional 50 officers to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to augment the effort to target groups involved in organised crime in the Dublin metropolitan region. The unit is headed by a detective chief superintendent and works closely with gardaí deployed on Operation Anvil and with other specialist units.

The Garda Síochána is now better resourced than at any time in its history. I am particularly pleased to have secured a €144 million increase, 13.2%, in the Garda Vote for this year. The Garda budget is now at an all-time historic high, having exceeded €1.2 billion for 2006. This enormous resource enables me to provide the Commissioner with funding for a visible policing package which, among other things, will facilitate additional funding for youth diversion schemes and hi-tech Garda vehicles and related equipment. I will also be providing further investment in technological equipment to assist the gardaí in their fight against crime. The most significant such investment will be that made in the national digital radio project to replace the existing analogue radio system.

The provision for Garda overtime is increased by over €22 million, bringing the total overtime provision to €83.5 million for 2006 and will facilitate, among other things, the continuation of specialist Garda operations such as Operation Anvil, Operation Clean Street, Operation Encounter and Operation Nightcap. These operations are targeted at the prevention and detection of crimes such as gangland murders, organised crime, racketeering and other criminal activity which gives rise to serious community concern.

The Deputy will be aware that in October 2004 the Government approved my proposal to increase the strength of the Garda Síochána to a record 14,000 in line with the An Agreed Programme for Government commitment in this regard. The ongoing recruitment campaign will lead to a combined strength of both attested gardaí and recruits in training of 14,000 by the end of this year.

The Government’s top policing priority for 2006 is to continue to target organised crime, including drug trafficking, and the gun culture associated with it through the use of specialist units and targeted operations such as Operation Anvil.

As a specific response to the problem of gun crime in Dublin, the Government decided to provide funding for Operation Anvil. This operation was undertaken not as the sole response to this problem but as a targeted response to augment the work which the gardaí were doing day in day out to address gun crime. It is an intelligence-led policing initiative which targets active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling, static checkpoints, uniformed mobile and foot patrols supported by armed plain-clothes patrols and, covert operations.

Operation Anvil has resulted in a number of very successful outcomes, including the seizure of a 347 firearms. In addition, 23,654 checkpoints and 7,138 drugs searches have been carried out. The additional budgetary provision for 2006, which I referred to earlier, will facilitate not just the continuation of this operation but also its geographical extension beyond the Dublin metropolitan region.

In addition to Operation Anvil, I am informed by the Garda authorities that Operation Delivery was set up to combat robberies of institutions and to target those involved in robberies of high value goods in transit. I am also informed that cases of witness intimidation are investigated on a case by case basis and, where the need arises, are dealt with by the Special Criminal Court on the directions of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All extortion related complaints are investigated by the Garda Síochána and its anti-racketeering unit investigates reports and targets criminals suspected of this type of criminality.

Regarding the number of fatal “gangland” shootings in 2005, I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of murders recorded in 2005 in which firearms were used is 21. While the term “gangland killings” tends to be widely used in the media in referring to the nature of certain unlawful killings and speculation in this respect is understandable, this does not correspond to the manner in which the Garda Síochána classifies crime or particular offences. Caution is necessary in ascribing particular motives to any particular incident as, potentially, this might jeopardise the procedures which need to be followed for the proper investigation and prosecution of offences. All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by the Garda Síochána.

It is widely acknowledged that our legislative package for tackling serious and organised crime is already one of the toughest in Europe. The Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently before the Houses of the Oireachtas, provides a comprehensive package of anti-crime measures which will enhance the powers of the gardaí in the investigation and prosecution of offences. In November last year, I obtained Government approval to draft a range of amendments to the Bill, which I intend to bring forward during its passage through the Oireachtas. Proposed amendments include the creation of criminal offences in relation to participation in organised crime, the strengthening of existing provisions for the ten year mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking and a range of amendments to the Firearms Acts.

I can assure the House that I am in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner in order to keep the measures and resources for tackling serious crime under continuing review.