Licensed firearms legislation
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae questions proposed amendments on licensed firearms and urges action against unlicensed weapons; the Minister cannot give a timetable but defends recent reductions in firearms-related crime.
The beleaguered Minister for Justice and Equality is considering introducing amendments to the legislation governing licensed firearms.
It would make more sense, if the Minister for Justice and Equality wanted to do anything about crime, to go after those with unlicensed firearms. That would be common sense and be more practical. Will the Minister confirm that the Minister for Justice and Equality is bringing proposals before the Cabinet and elaborate on this important matter?
Comment on this
I am not in a position to elaborate on it. I presume it is to update the legislation on legally held firearms. It is important to ensure legally held firearms are held by those who treat them responsibly. That is a factor in the Minister's thinking, but I will have to get back to the Deputy with a specific timescale.
Comment on this
I suggest the Minister for Justice and Equality go after those with unlicensed firearms.
Comment on this
To be fair to the Minister, in the past few years there has been a reduction in crime involving the use of firearms. Considerable progress is being made by him and the Garda Síochána in dealing with such offences.