Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The National Association of Regional Game Councils, NARGC, which represents the sporting organisations and those gun owners with impeccable character not involved in criminality, made this point in its submission.

I am trying to find a medium. We have all watched the horrific scenes over the years caused by a deranged gunman. Everyone likes to believe they are of good character. However, the Garda has to make an assessment for a gun licence application. One day it goes wrong and the Garda ends up before a committee like this explaining why a licence was granted in the first place. I appreciate it is a real nightmare to assess a licence application. It is about getting the medium while protecting the public. The NARGC argues the description of the weapons in question as assault rifles is unfair. It claims they are semi-automatic and centre-fire rifles with a small number licensed for target shooting on authorised ranges. Is there some secure way their use could be facilitated? Is it the Garda’s view there is not and these weapons should be banned?