272. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the remit of Operation Tombola; if it will be in operation this year; the start date; if an earlier start date will be considered; and the efficacy of this operation since 2020. [66009/26]

An Garda Síochána’s Operation Tombola combats the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks through a nationwide policing plan focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period. The operation encompasses all aspects of policing the Halloween period each year. It combats the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks through intelligence-led operations, searches and seizures, as well as focusing on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour.

The penalties for importing, selling or using unlicensed fireworks are significant and Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives Gardaí power to arrest people found with unlicensed fireworks and sets out significant penalties on conviction, including fines up to €10,000 or up to five years imprisonment for possession with intent to sell or supply. These penalties, which can also apply to those convicted of throwing an ignited firework at a person or property, demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

I am advised that a key component of Operation Tombola in both this and previous years operations is active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each Garda Division. Gardaí collaborate closely with community stakeholders. Typically Operation Tombola is actively implemented in the lead-up to and during the Halloween period, with each Chief Superintendent overseeing measures to address the sale, supply, and possession of fireworks, as well as anti-social behaviour.

These measures include increased overt and covert patrols in key areas, including usual gathering locations for young people and areas likely to stockpile bonfire materials, as well as regular patrols on Dublin Bus, LUAS, and DART services in the days leading up to Halloween, ensuring a visible presence to deter anti-social behaviour continues. An Garda Síochána also conduct talks and sessions in schools and youth services throughout the region, specifically targeting young individuals who may be involved in the sale, supply, or use of firework continues, and there is active monitoring of open-source media to identify potential locations where individuals were engaging in the illegal sale and supply of fireworks continues.

An Garda Síochána co-ordinates with local authorities to remove any stockpiled bonfire materials before Halloween will take place. A key component of Operation Tombola involves active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each division. Gardaí have collaborated closely with these stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to preventing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.

I am advised that since 2016 Gardaí have sized 1,883 fireworks, with an estimated value of €347,516. These seizures have undoubtedly contributed to reducing harm associated with the illegal use of fireworks and take place throughout the year. An Garda Síochána have provided the table at the link below which outlines the number of fireworks offences reported, the number of those sanctioned (charge/summons/caution), the number of objects seized and the estimated value thereof, for the period 2016 to 26 August 2026.

Fireworks Offences Data