145 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the rejection by Garda Superintendents, in whom the power to grant or refuse firearm certificates is vested, of applications for the renewal of gun licences.

Under the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 1990, discretion to renew firearm certificates is vested in the local superintendent of the Garda district in which the applicant resides. I am satisfied that decisions by Garda superintendents on applications for renewal of firearm certificates are made in the bona fide exercise of their statutory discretion.