- Proposal to establish new Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority
- Immediate cap on licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles
- Minister signs new Statutory Instrument re-defining non-restricted handguns
- An Garda Síochána to establish centralised licensing system for restricted firearms
- Garda Inspectorate to review the administration of firearms licensing
- Re-establishment of Firearms Consultative Panel
- No changes to the licensing of shotguns and the vast majority of rifles which make up 99% of licensed firearms in Ireland.
18 September, 2015
Minister Fitzgerald determined to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland while ensuring that target-shooting can continue in a regulated manner
Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Justice and Equality has today announced a series of changes to the licensing of firearms in Ireland.
This follows widespread consultation with key stakeholders and hearings by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence on a report from a Joint Garda Síochána / Department of Justice and Equality Working Group published in November 2014.
The Minister thanked the Oireachtas Committee for their detailed deliberations on this matter and she further thanked An Garda Siochana and stakeholders including bodies representing rural and sporting interests for their proactive engagement during the Minister’s consultations.
Minister Fitzgerald stated: “It is clear that there are different, genuinely held views as to the approach which should be taken to the licensing of firearms in Ireland, particularly in relation to handguns.”
“I share the concerns of An Garda Síochána in relation to public safety and I am determined to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland. However, I also acknowledge the dedication and responsibility of the owners of legally held firearms.
“I appreciate that certain measures must be taken in the context of the current renewal cycle for firearms. Accordingly I am today announcing a series of proposals which will address issues in the short term but also maps out the longer term future for a licensing system which balances the rights of those who wish to pursue their interests with public safety, which has to be the paramount consideration.”
Minister Fitzgerald therefore decided on the following series of measures:
Establishment of a new Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority
The Minister intends to make fundamental long term reforms of firearms licensing by establishing a new Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority.
The Minister has welcomed the Joint Oireachtas Committee recommendations in relation to the establishment of a national firearms control and advisory licensing authority and an independent appeals process in relation to decisions of An Garda Síochána.
The primary function of the Authority will be to determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing. The functions of the Authority will be subject to further consultation in advance of the preparation of the necessary enabling legislation, which will be subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee.
Individual licensing decisions will continue to be made by members of An Garda Síochána in the light of the determinations made by the Authority but it is intended that the Authority will adjudicate on appeals from decisions by An Garda Síochána. This will offer an alternative to the current system of court appeals.
Immediate cap on licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles
The Minister intends to introduce an immediate temporary cap on the licensing of any new centre-fire semi-automatic rifles pending the establishment and determination of the Authority.
Legislation will provide for the revocation of any licenses issued between today
(18 September 2015) and the enactment of the legislation and it is intended that anyone applying for licenses of this nature will be informed of that fact.
New Statutory Instrument re-defining non-restricted handguns
The Minister has this week signed a new Statutory Instrument re-defining what constitutes a non-restricted handgun. This takes account of the Joint Oireachtas Committee recommendation in relation to the need to introduce secondary legislation in advance of the renewal of many firearms at this time.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that, while the Minister, of course, cannot interfere with individual licensing decisions, persons who currently hold licenses for handguns will be able to reapply for a license in the current licensing round. This legislation will clarify for An Garda Síochána what firearms may be considered by them for licensing.
The Minister intends to monitor the number of 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns being licensed. In line with her commitment to prevent any proliferation of handgun availability in Ireland, the Minister today announced that if there is a significant increase in the number of applications for new certificates or import licence applications for these handguns then she will introduce priority legislation for a future cap.
The current arrangements introduced in 2008 whereby no new licences will be issued for centre fire handguns will remain in place.
Gardai to establish centralised licensing system for restricted firearms
The Minister has welcomed the Garda Commissioner’s intention to establish a centralised licensing system for restricted firearms, pending the establishment and determination of an independent body to determine what firearms should be licensable.
Garda Inspectorate to review the administration of firearms licensing
The Minister intends asking the Garda Inspectorate to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána, following the establishment and operation of the Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority.
The Minister has noted the Joint Oireachtas Committee recommendation that the Garda Inspectorate carry out an independent review of the current firearms licensing regime. Given the changes now proposed, it is deemed more appropriate to review the administration of firearms licensing by An Garda Síochána when the new arrangements are well in place i.e. 12 months after the establishment and operation of the Authority.
Re-establishment of Firearms Consultative Panel
The Minister intends to re-establish the Firearms Consultative Panel to examine general issues of common concern which could include issues such as the establishment of a ballistic record of certain firearms, updated storage conditions for firearms and the reloading of ammunition.
There will be no changes to the licensing of shotguns and rifles which make up 99% of licensed firearms in Ireland.
Minister Fitzgerald stated: “These proposals are aimed at balancing public safety and the interests of licensed firearms holders. The new Authority will be best placed to make an objective and independent assessment as to whether we continue to allow certain firearms to be licensed and result in a more transparent licensing system. In the meantime all persons who currently hold licences for 0.22 inch rim fire calibre handguns can apply to have those licences renewed.”
Individual firearms licensing decisions have been and continue to be subject to judicial review. The findings of the Courts in relation to the law on firearms clearly can have implications for the implementation of proposals in this area.
Ends…/
Notes for Editors
In November 2014 the Minister published a report from a Joint Garda Síochána / Department of Justice and Equality Working Group in relation to the future licensing of firearms in Ireland.
The Minister has consulted widely on the report, inviting submissions from the public and interest groups and hosted a roundtable meeting attended by An Garda Síochána, the Sports Coalition (which is comprised of representative associations for sports shooting and angling interests), the Irish Farmers Association and other rural and sporting bodies.
The Minister also referred the Working Group report to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality and Defence. Following a series of hearings and site visits the Joint Oireachtas Committee issued an interim report with a number of recommendations which has made a very substantial contribution to consideration of the issue.
Non-restricted handguns are used for target shooting on approved target shooting ranges only. They are capable of firing 0.22inch rim-fire ammunition and they cannot be loaded with more than five rounds of ammunition at any one time.
Centre-fire (above 0.22 calibre) handguns are significantly more powerful than non-restricted handguns. They are also used for target shooting on approved target shooting ranges only. They are capable of firing calibres ranging from 0.38 inches to 0.45 inch and from 7.65 millimetre to 9 millimetre ammunition. Since 19 November 2008, , it has not been possible to license any new centre fire firearms. Only those licensed prior to that date are eligible to be licensed.
Semi-automatic centre-fire rifles means rifled long firearms which use a round which is greater than .22 inch calibre, and can reload automatically from a magazine or cylinder each time a round is discharged but can fire not more than one round with a single pull of a trigger.
Owners of these handguns and rifles are obliged to have been vetted by An Garda Síochána, have completed a firearms competency course, be an active member of an approved target shooting club, and have substantial home security measures installed in their homes.
