Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which hunting or game licences, gun or rifle, have been restricted in 2009 with particular reference to previously established practice; the number of restricted or unlimited licences in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46538/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, with the passage of legislation earlier this year there have been significant changes in the way in which firearms are licensed in this jurisdiction. One of the changes has been the classification of firearms into two categories: restricted and non-restricted. This was done by the Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) Order (S.I. 21 of 2008) and the Firearms (Restricted Firearms and Ammunition) (Amendment) Order 2009 (S.I. 307 of 2009).

As the Deputy will appreciate, hunting and wildlife matters do not come within my portfolio but the comprehensive set of Guidelines on Firearms Licensing, which the Garda Commissioner has published, should assist prospective applicants and answer any queries they may have.