Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all the groups and thank them for their submissions.

My first question relates to their statements, some of which used the terms "offensive", "scaremongering", "insulted" and "anger" in putting forward their case. As they were saying this, I wondered whether they understood where we and the Minister were coming from - that we are concerned that it is a public safety issue and we will ask the questions. I got the impression that the witnesses do not seem to appreciate that firearms are dangerous weapons and there is public concern about the availability, whether illegally or legally, of firearms. I thought some of the groups' reactions were a little lackadaisical in that they did not get that message.

My question relates to statement that there was no relationship between ownership and criminal activity. If one looks, for example, at arms ownership in the United States and other countries, and at the amount of deaths and violence, one can see there is a link. The other issue mentioned about which I am concerned is that of illegal activities and gangs seeking possession of legally held firearms. I agree with Deputy Seán Kenny. I know well Chief Superintendent Colm Healy in Coolock Garda Station, who is a top-class garda fighting gangs.