Mr. Fergus Healy:

The licence term is for three years now. Circumstances can change after a decision has been made. Medical problems or other issues can arise for certain individuals.

Issues have arisen where firearms have been used in inappropriate circumstances and we have had examples of that. However, the decision is an onerous one and chief superintendents take such matters into account when trying to make the right decision with regard to the suitability of a person and the weapon that he or she is seeking to license. That is a significant issue - the suitability of the gun and the purpose for which it will be used. We have had incidents occur where people have been gravely injured by licensed firearms within the State. With the proliferation of handguns in the community, our main concern is that such guns are the weapon of choice of criminal elements within society and as such, people who own such guns are a target for theft or burglary. The proliferation of these guns in society, whether licensed or smuggled into the country illegally, is of major concern to An Garda Síochána.