Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I thought I had proposed reasonable amendments. Perhaps the Minister is correct in that amendment No. 77 specifies "pistol shooting range" where it should specify "authorised shooting range". That amendment was to restrict a young person who has this firearms training certificate to giving training only in a very controlled environment, such as a rifle, pistol or authorised shooting range. Amendment No. 78 was to delete "for hunting" because although the Minister said the certificates are for training in the best and safest use of the firearm, this authorises carrying the firearm for hunting. If the Minister opposes the other amendments at least amendment No. 78 is reasonable.

On amendment No. 77, if one specifies an authorised shooting range, one can authorise a shooting range for shotguns to be available if that is the training required. This applies particularly in rural Ireland where shotgun training is required for the sons or daughters of farmers who have shotguns to protect their flock. When the Minister explained the granting of firearms training certificates he spoke of a person in his constituency who required such a licence because he was an expert in shooting and had the potential to compete at international level, perhaps at the Olympics, but could not participate in the sport in this country. Yet we are producing a training certificate that allows him to train here but not to participate in any competitions because the Minister thinks international competitions should not happen in this country. If it is good enough to happen elsewhere we should make a provision for such international competitions. This is to allow for people who are travelling to Ireland to take part in such competitions to have their certificates from abroad recognised if the Commissioner is happy.

Amendment No. 83 is reasonable considering what we are asking. It is reasonable that both the guardian and the person in question present themselves at a Garda station when making the application. It would help the garda in charge to form a view which he or she could forward to the Commissioner who deals with the applications as to whether he or she believes this is a legitimate application or a suitable person to whom to grant a certificate.

Amendment No. 85 requires that the duration of the certificate be reduced from three years to one because of the seriousness of it and amendment No. 87 is consequential on amendment No. 81.

See this speech in context