2248. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the measures that are in place to ensure consistency in the issuing of hunting licences by Garda stations around the country. [56596/26]

While my Department is the competent authority for the import and export of firearms and the licensing of firearms dealers, An Garda Síochána has a range of functions with regard to the operation of firearms legislation, including the issuing of firearms certificates and authorisations and is the competent authority for the licensing of firearms within the State. Under the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, applications for deer hunting licences within the State fall under the remit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Firearms Act 1925-2023 and the Firearms (Firearm Certificates for Non-Residents) Act 2000 both give the authority for granting licences to Superintendents and Chief Superintendents of An Garda Síochána. Licensing Officers, when considering firearms licence applications, are considered 'persona designata' and cannot have their decision-making process fettered in any way. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, have any role in the issuing or otherwise of firearms certificates.

Nevertheless, reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration for a number of years, and extensive consultation has been undertaken and is continuing with various firearms stakeholders, including representative firearms organisations. My Department also regularly holds meetings with individual firearms organisations on request.