Parliamentary Questions

civdef

I suppose it's too much for you to realise that Bunracht Na hÉireann does provide for a parliment then...

Begone.

BryanL

why isn't it Dail questions in the title then?
Bryan

Sparks

Because they get referred to as parlimentary questions by those working in there. Also because it lets me do this without needing a new thread:

From the House of Commons, October 24 2005:

Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many legal gun dealers there are in Northern Ireland; and if he will list them. [19463]

Mr. Woodward: The following information has been supplied by the PSNI.

There are 132 gun dealers listed on our records.

A Blue Ltd.
A C J Engineering
A. J. S. Repairs
Ace Products (Belfast) Ltd.
Agnew, J.A & Co
Air Tec
Anderson, C.A. & Co
Ashley Gun Sales & Repairs
Bailie, E
Ballycarrickmaddy Shooting School
Beattie, T & Son
Bloomfield Guns & Tackle
Boston Outdoor Sports
Braddell, Joseph & Son Ltd.
Brown, S.W.
Burke, H & Sons Ltd.
C C Shooting Supplies
C F Beattie & Son (F'arm & Amm)
Cahoon Brothers
Carlisle, R & R
Carlisle, T. J.
Carson, R. J. K.
Cassells, E.J. & Son
Coburn, J& Son Ltd.
Conway Bros. (Vision) Ltd.
Coote's (Builders Merchants) Ltd.
Costcutters
Cottage Guns & Tackle
Country Sports
Country Sports & Tackle
Craig, B& Co. Ltd.
Crawford, R & Co.
Daly's, M
Dennett Game Services
Derry Gonnelly Autos
Devlin Countryside Supplies
Dickson, J.J.
Divers Guns & Tackle
Dowler, F. Ltd.
Dunhill Sports Supplies
Fernvale Country Sports
Field & Stream
Firearms Unlimited
Firefly
Fyffe, W. D.
Glass, T. R. G.
Graham, J. & Sons
Graham, R & Sons
Greer, T & Son
Groggan Guns & Country Store
Guns & Tackle
Harkin, K. G.
Harpur, N. C.
Holden Agricultural Ltd.
Hollow Farm Shooting Grounds
Hom, Field & Stream
Houston's Country Gear
Hughes, M.T.
Hutchinson's
Irwin, S. D.
Johnston, S
Jones, W.
Kyle, P. E.
Kyle, W. J. Hardware
Lakeview Guns & Tackle
Lawrence, J.A.
Leisure & Tackle
Limavady Hardware Co.
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Lough Shore Shooting Supplies
Lough, Stock & Barrel
Loughview Guns & Ammo
Lutton, A
Lutton's Gun Repairs
Magowan, R
Martin, T. M. & Son
Maryland Country Sports
Maurice Allen Chainsaws
Mawhinney, D
Mcclimond, T
Mcconnell (Equipment) Ltd.
Mckendry, R
Mckeown, E.J.M. (Agric. & Build. Merchant)
McKerr Fieldsports
McVey Brothers
Melvin Tackle
Mid Ulster Industries
Millar, Desmond & Son
Monteith, A. A. & Sons
Moyallen Countryman
MPL Guns & Ammo
Mullen's Pet & Shooting Supplies
Murphy, W.M.
Murphy, J
Nelson's Sports Centre
Nicholas, C. J. & Sons
North Antrim Game Services
O'Neill's Country Sports
Orchard Guns
Palmer, D. H.
Palmer, R.
R R Motorcycles & Marine
R. F. D. Ltd.
Rankin, Joseph
Riverdale Sports
Robin Minnis Sports
Rod & Gun
Rod 'N' Line
Sammy's Shooting Supplies
Scott, T. J.
Sinclair, J. N. & Sons
Smyth, J.C. Sports Spec.'s
Smyth's Country Sports
Somerville, R.W.
Sports Goods & Footwear
Stewart & Gibson Ltd.
Stewart & James
Stinson The Saddler
Stringer, W
Tannyoky Guns & Ammo
Thales Air Defence Ltd.
The Belfast Firearms Company
The Countryman
The Gunshop
The Trading Post
Trap & Field Sports
Trap & Tackle
Valley Leisure & Rural Supplies
Walther Ireland
Willis Hardware & Trailers
Workman Hardware
Young Guns

Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list legal (a) gun clubs and (b) ranges in Northern Ireland. [19464]

Mr. Woodward: The following information has been supplied by the PSNI.

There are 55 authorised gun clubs and 39 authorised ranges in Northern Ireland. These are listed as follows. Where ranges comprise more than one firing range, this is identified in the table.

Authorised Clubs (at 19 October 2005)
Area 17 Air Pistol Club
Ballymena Rifle & Pistol Club
Bangor & District Small Bore Rifle Club
Bangor Gram. Sch. Com. Cadet Force Air Rifle Club
Belfast Harbour Police Rifle Club
Belfast Home Guard Rifle Club
Belfast Royal Academy Rifle Club—2390 Squadron ATC
Braken Projectile Club
Bready Air Rifle Club
Campbell College, C.C.F Rifle Club
Carrowdore & District Shooting & Recreation Club
City of Derry Rifle & Pistol Club
Clandeboye, Bangor & District U.S.C. Rifle & Pistol Club
Co Londonderry 'XB' Rifle & Pistol Club
Comber Rifle Club
Creevedonnell Air Rifle Club
Culnady Air Rifle Club
Downpatrick Rifle Club
Downshire Rifle Clu
Dungannon Rifle & Pistol Club
Dunnyboe Target Club
East Antrim Rifle & Pistol Club
Ex-Services Pistol & Rifle Club
Fortwilliam Home Guard Rifle & Pistol Club
Kells Rifle & Pistol Club
Killylea Air Rifle Club
Kirlish Rifle & Pistol Club
Laghey Small Bore Rifle & Pistol Club
Langford Lodge Sports Club
Leopold Street Rifle Club
Lisnalea Rod & Gun Club
Loughbrickland Small Bore Rifle Club
Maralin Rifle Club
Michelin Athletic Pistol & Rifle Club
Mid Antrim Rifle & Pistol Club
Moneymore Air Rifle Club
Mowillian Air Rifle Club
2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force Rifle Club
N.I. Target Sports Association
North Antrim Small Bore Rifle & Pistol Club
Omagh & District U.S.C.A Rifle Club
Omagh Scout Group Rifle Club
Orritor Rifle Club
P.S.N.I. Rifle & Pistol Club
Rockport Shooting Club
Roe Valley Rifle Club
Roe Valley Target Club
Royal School Armagh Rifle Club
Royal School Dungannon Rifle Club
Seskinore Harriers Air Pistol Club
Sherrygroom Rifle & Pistol Club
Shorts Rifle & Pistol Club
Strangford Lough W'Fowling Cons. Ass. Air Rifle Club
Ulster Rifle Association
Western Area Medical Target Shooting Club

Name of club Location of range
Bangor Grammar School Combined Cadet Force Air Rifle Club Bangor Grammar School, 13 College Avenue, Bangor BT20 5HJ

Culnady Air Rifle Club Culnady Orange Hall, Culnady Road, Upperlands, Maghera

Dungannon Shooting Federation Club Dungannon Leisure Centre, Circular Road (Basement, rear car park)

Bangor & District Small Bore Rifle Club Castle Park, Valentine Road, Bangor

Dungannon Royal School Rifle Club Dungannon Royal School Grounds

Rockport School Air Rifle Club Rockport School, Craigavad, Holywood BT180DD

Killylea Air Gun Club Cooey Orange Hall, Kennedies Road, Killylea, Co Armagh

Mowillian Air Rifle Club Moneymore, Co Londonderry

Area 17 Air Pistol Club Unit 44, Dennisons Industrial Estate, Mill Road, Ballyclare

Lisnalea Rod & Gun Club Shooting Range Entrance to disused railway tunnel, Corrinare Road, Loughgilly, Markethill

Foyle & Londonderry College Northland Road, Londonderry

County Londonderry XB Rifle Club Moneyshanare, Tobermore

Comber Rifle Club 17 Railway Street, Comber BT23 5HG
(2Xindoor ranges—1Xfirst floor—1Xground floor)
Ballygraffan Road, Comber BT23 5SU
(2Xranges—1Xindoor—1Xoutdoor)

North Antrim Small Bore Rifle Club Nissen Hut at Bellisle Road, Carncullagh Upper, Dervock, Ballymoney (2Xranges)

Bready Air Rifle Club Ballydonaghy, Clougher, Strabane
69 Dunnalong Road, Bready, Strabane

Private Range Garage at 612 Saintfield Road, Carryduff, Belfast BT8 8BL

Langford Lodge Sports Club Unit 4, Langford Lodge Industrial Estate, Largy
Road, Crumlin

Sherrygroom Rifle & Pistol Club Above a barn at Dunnahenry Road, Stewartstown

Roe Valley Rifle Club Farm yard at Tullyarmon, Limavady

Seskinore Harriers Air Pistol Club Riding for Disabled Association, Deverney Road, Arvalee, Omagh

Fortwilliam (Home Guard) Rifle & Pistol Club The Old Abattoir, Duncrue Pass, Belfast

Moneymore Air Rifle Club Orange Hall, Main Street, Moneymore, Co Londonderry

Carrowdore & District Shooting & Recreation Club Abbey Road, Carrowdore, Co Down
(3Xranges—2Xindoor—7Xoutdoor)

Ballymena Rifle & Pistol Club Loan Hill, Ballyconnelly Road, Cullybackey, Co Antrim
(2Xranges)

Kells Rifle & Pistol Club 78 Fernisky Road, Kells, Ballymena
(2Xranges—1Xindoor—1Xoutdoor)

Downshire Rifle Club Moira Road, Hillsborough
(2Xranges—1Xindoor—1Xoutdoor)

Omagh Boy Scouts Rifle Club Campsie Road, Omagh

Clandeboye Bangor & USC Rifle & Pistol Club The Borough Gymnasium, Hamilton Road, Bangor, Co Down

Laghey Rifle & Pistol Club 21A Killyneill Court, Dungannon BT71 6BN

Loughbrickland Rifle Club McBride's Corner, Moneyslane, Ballyward, Banbridge, Co Down

Duke of Abercorn Estate Range Baronscourt, Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone

Desertmartin Air Rifle Club The Orange Hall, Desertmartin

Omagh & District USCA Rifle Club Colebrooke Estate, Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh
(1Xoutdoor)
Gola, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh (1 x indoor)

Mid Antrim Pony Club Barn at 125 Ahoghill Road, Randalstown

Strangford Lough Wildfowlers Glenvale, Crawfordsburn Road, Newtownards

HMP Weapon Training Range NIPS, HMP Maghaberry, Lisburn, Co Antrim

East Antrim Rifle & Pistol Club 23A Sawmill Road, Ballyclare, Co Antrim
(3Xranges—2Xindoor—1Xoutdoor)

Creevedonnell Air Rifle Club Cumber Church Hall, Cregg Road, Claudy, Co Londonderry
(1Xindoor)
Curryfree Road, Curryfree, Co Londonderry (1Xindoor)

Dungannon Rifle & Pistol Club Disused sandpit at 408 Annaginny Road, Newmills, Dungannon
(4Xranges)

Sparks

Not related to us, but I'll bet the CJA comes up in the answer:

68. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of murder in which firearms were used in respect of each year from 1998 to date in 2007; the number of such cases in which prosecutions for murder were initiated; the number of such cases where convictions were secured; if he has satisfied himself with the level of detection and conviction in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Eamon Gilmore. [6825/07]

Sparks

PQs down for next week:

To ask the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell:

• If he will explain why the firearms licence fee has gone up by 50% even though the three year licence means that less Garda manhours are needed to administer it compared to the previous system?
• Will the minister explain why shotgun licences cost €115 for a three-year period, with each subsequent shotgun on the licence costing €30; but an air rifle licence costs €170 and can only have one air rifle on it?
  
• Given the obvious benefit to tourism that the 2012 Olympics represent, will the Minister explain why the firearms licence costs for foreign visitors (such as those teams coming to Ireland for pre-Olympic training camps) have been increased to €57 and why no free visitors’ permit mechanism has been created to encourage the tourism that competitive target shooting represents?
• Given that the proposed list of restricted firearms contains Olympic pistols will the National Target Shooting Association and other relevant sporting bodies be given an opportunity to have input into the second draft of the Statutory Instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
  
• When will the Minister be commencing the remainder of the Firearms Act 2006, given than the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 is already amending it before it's been fully commenced?
  
• When will the Garda Commissioner's guidelines for superintendents with relation to the Firearms Act 2006 be published?
  
• When will the firearms range inspector be appointed by the Minister?
  
• Will the Minister comment on why several firearms ranges have already had to spend tens of thousands of euro on upgrades to comply with Garda demands for range certification despite the fact that the relevant legislation still not has not been commenced and that the range inspector still has not
  been appointed?
  
• When will the official regulations to which firing ranges must conform be published?
  
• Will the minister give assurances that target shooters wishing to compete in international competitions who find their sporting equipment suddenly listed on the restricted list will not find themselves required to comply with draconian and onerous demands to obtain firearms certificates?
  

Sparks

Also down for next week:

• If his attention has been drawn to strong concerns expressed by the National Target Shooting Association regarding recent changes to firearms legislation and licensing systems; whether he will meet the NTSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Vegeta

us non olympic shooters are doomed

dimebag249

THANK YOU Vegeta. What in the name of God makes those that practice Olympic desciplines so bloody holy? How is their sport more worthy than other sports? If they started using M249s in the Olympics would they suddenly become as sacred as air pistols? "International competions"!!!??? WTF, if you're not participating in an international event you shouldn't have as much right to practice your sport or hobby?

Sparks

Bull. If the game's Skeet, you bring a skeet shotgun. If it's Palma, you bring a 7.62 rifle. If it's IDPA, you bring a 1911. If it's PR, you bring the big names - and the Olympics (by which I mean the Games itself, not just Olympic shooting disciplines) is about one of the biggest names tied to shooting that there is.
See, not using things like this is why we don't win the PR battles. And not winning the PR battles is why we get treated so shoddily by the Powers That Be (Who Mostly Want To Look Good In The Press Before Elections).

Do not take my word for it. Ask anyone who works in media.

Vegeta

yes sparks but everything you named there is an olympic event, what if I want to use one of the listed firearms for something other than an olympic discipline, will it be restricted then or not is my point

Sparks

How do you mean Veg? Either we can use stuff or we can't, it would be without precedent or standing to say "well, you can use fullbore pistols, but only in the ISSF centrefire standard pistol event".

Vegeta

Would you really put that past them Sparks. Its just a fear I have

Clare gunner

Would have two other points that should be asked by Ciran Cuffe.
Can the minister explain the reason for such an analomy in fees between the Republic, NI and the UK??Where in the UK and NI it is a much more difficult process to aquire a firearms cert in police time,backround checks etc.Yet they can do this within 21 days and at a fee equivlent to 77 Euros?

Also would the minister consider or ammend the act to a 3 year or 5 year liscense of One Man One Liscense system?[OMOL] as is common in the UK or NI?

Lads,Sparks is speaking from his perspective and position as sec of NTSA and sport. So he has to speak from where he is and does repersent.As far as I care, if Islamic Jihad was speaking out thru Gay Lib about their liscense hike to openly carry liscensed RPGs with a OMOL.Thats fine by me.So long as the message gets out!!!We are all gun owners in the end.And if the other organisations cant or wont be botherd speaking up,we have to use what is there.

Vegeta

don't get me wrong fair to play to Mark and the lads for getting those questions asked. I just wish these were asked from a hunters point of view also

Sparks

They may well be Veg, Des Crofton isn't exactly sitting on his hands at the moment. I just wouldn't know if the questions have been asked until they're published on Tuesday.

Sparks

Vegeta wrote:

Would you really put that past them Sparks. Its just a fear I have

But they'd have to be saying "you can shoot at this shape printed in this colour on a piece of paper, but not this other shape printed in this other colour on the same bit of paper". I mean, I don't think they'd spot the problem, but it'd never hold up in court and it could never be enforced.

Sparks

Okay, the Dail PQ list for Tuesday was just published:

*172. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the firearms licence fee has gone up by 50% even though the three year licence means that less Garda manhours are needed to administer it compared to the previous system. — Ruairi Quinn. [14778/07]

*173. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that the proposed list of restricted firearms contains Olympic pistols, an association (details supplied) and other relevant sporting bodies will be given an opportunity to have input into the second draft of the Statutory Instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Ruairi Quinn. [14779/07]

*174. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when will he be commencing the remainder of the Firearms Act 2006, in view of the fact that the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 is already amending it before it has been fully commenced. —Ruairi Quinn. [14780/07]

*175. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda Commissioner’s guidelines for superintendents with relation to the Firearms Act 2006 will be published. — Ruairi Quinn. [14781/07]

*176. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the firearms range inspector will be appointed by the Minister. — Ruairi Quinn. [14782/07]

*177. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason several firearms ranges have already had to spend tens of thousands of euro on upgrades to comply with Garda demands for range certification in view of the fact that the relevant legislation has not been commenced and that the range inspector not been appointed. —Ruairi Quinn. [14783/07]

*178. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the official regulations to which firing ranges must conform will be published. — Ruairi Quinn. [14784/07]

*179. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give assurances that target shooters wishing to compete in international competitions who find their sporting equipment listed on the restricted list will not find themselves required to comply with draconian and onerous demands to obtain firearms certificates. — Ruairi Quinn. [14785/07]

*180. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason shotgun licences cost €115 for a three year period with each subsequent shotgun on the licence costing €30 but an air rifle licence costs €170 and can only have one air rifle on it. —Ruairi Quinn. [14786/07]

*181. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason in view of the obvious benefit to tourism that the 2012 Olympics represent, the firearms licence costs for foreign visitors have been increased to €57; and the reason no free visitors’ permit mechanism has been created to encourage the tourism that competitive target shooting represents. — Ruairi Quinn. [14787/07]

*182. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to strong concerns expressed by an association (details supplied) regarding recent changes to firearms legislation and licensing systems; if he will meet the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Ruairi Quinn. [14788/07]

*188. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence in relation to firearms licence fees; his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Bernard J. Durkan. [14823/07]

*189. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. —Bernard J. Durkan. [14826/07]

*194. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason it was necessary to increase the fees for firearms licences and training licenses by so much; and his views on whether this constitutes an exorbitant and unfair expense on tens of thousands of people who participate in gun sports here. — Martin Ferris. [14866/07]

*203. To ask the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of firearms licences currently in place for each category of shotguns, rifles, pistols and other firearms; the number of firearms licences currently in place in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Ruairi Quinn. [14943/07]

*249. To ask the Minister for Finance if the increases in firearms licence fees provided for in the Finance Act 2007 were recommended by the Department of Justice. Equality and Law Reform; if other submissions were considered by him in determining the rate of increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Brendan Howlin. [14618/07]

Quillo

Given the references to the Restricted List above, is the finalised List now available ?

Sparks

Nope, not yet Quillo.

Sparks

What a cop-out of an answer.

172. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the firearms licence fee has gone up by 50% even though the three-year licence means that less Garda man-hours are needed to administer it compared with the previous system. [14778/07]

173. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that the proposed list of restricted firearms contains Olympic pistols, an association (details supplied) and other relevant sporting bodies will be given an opportunity to have input into the second draft of the Statutory Instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14779/07]

174. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will be commencing the remainder of the Firearms Act 2006, in view of the fact that the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 is already amending it before it has been fully commenced. [14780/07]

175. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda Commissioner’s guidelines for superintendents with relation to the Firearms Act 2006 will be published. [14781/07]

176. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the firearms range inspector will be appointed by the Minister. [14782/07]

177. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason several firearms ranges have already had to spend tens of thousands of euro on upgrades to comply with Garda demands for range certification in view of the fact that the relevant legislation has not been commenced and that the range inspector not been appointed. [14783/07]

178. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the official regulations to which firing ranges must conform will be published. [14784/07]

179. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give assurances that target shooters wishing to compete in international competitions who find their sporting equipment listed on the restricted list will not find themselves required to comply with draconian and onerous demands to obtain firearms certificates. [14785/07]

180. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason shotgun licences cost €115 for a three-year period with each subsequent shotgun on the licence costing €30 but an air rifle licence costs €170 and can only have one air rifle on it. [14786/07]

181. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason in view of the obvious benefit to tourism that the 2012 Olympics represent, the firearms licence costs for foreign visitors have been increased to €57; and the reason no free visitors’ permit mechanism has been created to encourage the tourism that competitive target shooting represents. [14787/07]

182. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to strong concerns expressed by an association (details supplied) regarding recent changes to firearms legislation and licensing systems; if he will meet the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/07]

188. Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence in relation to licence fees; his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14823/07]

194. Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason it was necessary to increase the fees for firearms licences and training licenses by so much; and his views on whether this constitutes an exorbitant and unfair expense on tens of thousands of people who participate in gun sports here. [14866/07]

203. Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of firearms licences currently in place for each category of shotguns, rifles, pistols and other firearms; the number of firearms licences currently in place in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 182, inclusive, 188, 194 and 203 together.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 was signed into law by the President on the 16th July 2006. All sections of that Act relating to firearms have been commenced other than the following sections: 28 (Firearms training certificate); 30 (Application for, and form and effect of firearm certificates); 32 (Conditions of grant of firearms certificate); 33 (Authorisation of rifle or pistol clubs or shooting ranges); 38 (Registered Firearms Dealers); and 40 (Reloading of ammunition).

A Project Board, Chaired by an Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána comprising members of my Department and An Garda Síochána is actively addressing the issues which need to be put in place before these sections can be commenced, including significant changes to the Garda PULSE computer system.

Officials of my Department met recently with two of the Shooting Organisations to discuss a number of issues relating to the new licensing regime. I am anxious that the programme of change which is being undertaken proceeds smoothly and has legitimate regard to all the interests involved, not least the public interest. It is in that context that I am considering the establishment of a consultative panel to bring the relevant stakeholders together on a structured basis.

The licensing of firearms and registration of Firearms Dealers is governed by the Firearms Acts 1925 - 2006. The Criminal Justice Act 2006 substantially amended the existing legislation to provide for a new firearms licensing regime. The present frequency of licensing of firearms and the registration of Firearms Dealers on an annual basis is changing to a three yearly basis - primarily to free up Garda time and resources. The new scheme, however, will not take effect until 2008, so the licensing process will go ahead on the usual annual basis this summer under the old fee structure.

In relation to the increase in charges, the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners advised me that, since the last time the fees were changed in 1992 there had been a 51% increase in the Consumer Price Index. The new fee structure reflects this increase as well as a tripling of the annual rate to reflect the new three year term.

It was not intended that the increase should cause undue hardship or difficulties for those who have to obtain licences. I am in receipt of correspondence regarding the fees from various members of the shooting community and as it will be some time before the new fees arise there will be time to consider the legitimate concerns that have been expressed.

Under Section 29 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 I may, by statutory instrument and in the interests of public safety and security, declare specific firearms and ammunition as “restricted”, by reference to their category, calibre, working mechanism, muzzle energy and description. It should be noted that where a firearm is deemed “restricted” it does not mean that the possession or sale of such firearms is prohibited.

Where a person wishes to possess such a firearm they will be required to make an application to the Garda Commissioner for the grant of a firearms certificate and satisfy the Commissioner that they comply with the conditions set out in Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 1925, as amended by the 2006 Act. In addition firearms dealers will be required to seek an authorisation from me for the importation for sale of such firearms.

My Department has consulted with An Garda Síochána, organisations representing different shooting interest groups and firearms dealers representatives regarding the drafting of this statutory instrument. I am satisfied that the final version which will be published, within the near future, will represent a reasonable balance between allowing people go about their business or interests lawfully while at the same time having due regard to public safety and security.

The Commissioner in consultation with my Department has prepared draft guidelines on firearms licensing. The draft is currently being finalised and it is my intention that it will be circulated when ready.

The Firearms Act 1925, as amended, provides that gun clubs and ranges may be authorised by a Garda Superintendent. However, a Superintendent shall not grant such an authorisation unless he is satisfied that the possession, use or carriage of firearms in pursuance of such authorisation will not endanger public safety or the peace. In so far as the grant of an authorisation for a gun club or range is concerned the courts have ruled that the Superintendent is persona designata in relation to such decisions and cannot be fettered in any way.

In addition, under Section 4 of the Firearms Act 1925, a Superintendent before granting a firearms certificate shall be satisfied that such person can be permitted to have in his possession, use and carry a firearm or ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace.

We are in transition phase, however, and Section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, when commenced will provide that the owner or operator of a rifle/pistol club or range shall be required to apply to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for an authorisation. Such ranges and clubs shall be required to meet minimum standards as set down by me, by way of Statutory Instrument. In the case of a range authorisation, the application must be accompanied by a range certificate as issued by the Firearms Range Inspector.

Proposals are being finalised at present in my Department in relation to the Range Inspection function.

On statistics, I am informed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that the there are currently 220,715 firearms licences in the State, including 49,218 rifle, 170,156 shotgun, 1,228 handgun and 113 other various firearms licences. I am informed by the Commissioner that providing a breakdown of firearms licences by county could not be achieved without a disproportionate use of time and resources. The following table sets out firearms licences by Garda divisions.

Garda Division Total no. of firearms licensed
Mayo 10,613
Clare 7,895
Kerry 8,948
Donegal 11,288
Limerick 8,759
Cork City 3,739
Cork West 10,260
Cork Nth 8,579
Tipperary 14,347
Galway West 8,911
Louth/Meath 17,362
Laois/Offaly 13,030
Sligo/Leitrim 6,802
Carlow/Kilkenny 15,865
Cavan/Monaghan 14,379
DMR Eastern 4,157
DMR West 3,821
DMR Nth 3,617
DMR Nth Central 223
DMR South 2,675
DMR Sth Central 511
Wexford/Wicklow 17,815
Longford/Westmeath 11,478
Roscommon/Galway 11,052
Waterford/Kilkenny 11,644

astraboy

Very nice skirting around the questions by the minister. He basically told us stuff we already knew, we can restrict a firearm on muzzle velocity, mechanism or caliber etc etc. Nothing of substance at all, and nothing concrete on the fee increase or if it will be rolled back.

Saddlebags

Can someone post a link to the above questions & answers ?

maglite

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20070424.xml&Node=H2&Page=30

Saddlebags

maglite wrote:

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=DAL20070424.xml&Node=H2&Page=30

Excellent, thanks!

Sparks

First PQ of the new Dail that I've seen relating to firearms, and it's an old favorite:

121. To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide data in respect of the number of recorded robberies of legally held firearms in the State during the period 2002 to 2007; the number of recorded robberies of legally held firearms to date in 2007; if sufficient measures are in place to minimise such robberies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. — Tom Sheahan. [22566/07]

rrpc

Sparks wrote:

First PQ of the new Dail that I've seen relating to firearms, and it's an old favorite:

I do know that there were around 50 in the south east division in 2006, and a good bit less in 2007 to date.

Sparks

Answer up:

121. Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide data in respect of the number of recorded robberies of legally held firearms in the State during the period 2002 to 2007; the number of recorded robberies of legally held firearms to date in 2007; if sufficient measures are in place to minimise such robberies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/07]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Brian Lenihan): Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Every effort is made in the licensing process and otherwise to ensure that all licensed firearm holders are conscious of their obligations in relation to the safe storage of their firearm. To this end all firearm certificates are accompanied by recommendations and advice in relation to the safe storage and security of firearms.

The Criminal Justice Act, 2006 provides for increased fines and penalties for firearm offences. A person found in possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances or with criminal intent is liable to imprisonment for up to 14 years with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years.

I recently established a Firearms Consultative Panel to assist with the introduction of a new firearms licensing system which is provided for in the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. The Panel will comprise representatives of the various shooting interest groups, relevant Government Departments and An Garda Síochána. I will make details of the panel and its terms of reference known in the near future.

Sparks

From Tuesday:

*524. To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of legally held firearms which ended up in the hands of criminals every year for the past five years. — Aengus O´ Snodaigh. [24814/07]

524. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and type of legally held firearms which ended up in the hands of criminals every year for the past five years. [24814/07]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Brian Lenihan): The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tabular statement which show the number of firearms recorded as stolen in years 2002 to 2007. The category of “Other” includes Starting Pistols, Starting Revolvers, Stun Guns and similar guns.

The number of firearms recorded as stolen for years 2002 to 2007*.
|Rifles|Shotguns|Others
2007*|67|17|67
2006|69|215|10
2005|84|27|89
2004|68|26|73
2003|99|346|18
2002|97|33|29

* Statistics provided for 2007 are provisional, operational and liable to change and are up to and including 16th October 2007.

Rew

Wonder does that include the Sig the Gardai lost and found again

BryanL

reported stolen is not the same as actually stolen!