Mr. Philip Slattery:

I thank the Chairman of this committee for the invitation to speak today. I also thank committee members for listening to my submission.

I first started shooting at 17 when I joined the then Fórsa Cosanta Áitúil and have continued shooting in my personal time with various firearms over the last 15 years. Since getting my first shotgun and rifle at 19 I have owned in total one non-restricted rim fire rifle, two restricted centrefire pistols, three restricted shotguns and seven restricted semi-auto centrefire rifles.

I qualified as an armourer having completed a four year apprenticeship in 2007. The responsibilities of my job include but are not limited to the inspection and maintenance of small arms. I have a vast knowledge in the workings of both civilian and military firearms to include pistols, shotguns, bolt action rifles, assault rifles, light and heavy machine guns, mortars and grenade launchers. I am also studying mechanical science in Cork Institute of Technology, CIT.

I have on several occasions given evidence in cases against the State where people had a pistol and-or rifle licence application refused by An Garda Síochána. The reason for these refusals was due to the Garda classifying such firearms as military pistols or assault rifles. I am here to talk about and answer any questions of a technical nature in relation to these types of firearms and correct the information presented to this committee.

While firearms legislation in itself is fragmented and flawed the problem is grossly compounded by the organisation left to run the firearms licensing system. My submission outlines how I believe the Garda and the Department of Justice and Equality have used legislation in a way not intended by legislators to slowly remove legally licensed firearms from law abiding citizens.

I have in my submission addressed only a few issues that stem from the working group's report. These include Garda statistics; the Oireachtas debate in 2009; background to prohibition on centerfire pistols; mass shootings; the Connelly Hospital report; and licensing of firearms in other jurisdictions. My proposals are my personal opinion of how I believe we can start getting away from the mistrust and frustration built up over decades because of An Garda Síochána. I ask that the committee listen with an open mind and thank members for their time.