Mr. Joe Costello:

We already have some of the most restrictive firearms policy in the world. As a member of the committee recently pointed out correctly, the root cause of most of the gun crime in Ireland is strongly related to the drugs problem. It is obvious that those who illegally import dangerous and addictive drugs have no problem importing and using illegal firearms to commit crime. That is a well-established fact. The drugs trade, the violence and disregard for human life as criminals carry out their vendettas is a matter for the Garda and the security forces of the State. Making firearms legislation even more restrictive has no effect on these people who have no regard for law and order. It has, however, a profoundly negative effect on law-abiding citizens who have already been vetted and approved by the Garda. As many will point out, there needs to be more clarity in the legislation and a removal of many subjective terms.

We have concerns as shooters too that in whatever way the legislation is changed, that the Garda honours the letter and the spirit of the law in its application. Sadly, that has not been our experience in many cases. For example, a list of permitted firearms was published in the Garda Commissioner’s guidelines. I was involved in that as a member of the FCP, the firearms consultation panel.

This list, while not all encompassing, was agreed by all of the stakeholders involved, including the Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and Equality, the firearms dealers and the representatives of the shooting organisations. Yet, almost from its publication, these recommendations have been largely ignored. Of concern to us is whether if we engage in further discussion or agreement we will be treated any better.