Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I refer the Deputy to a tabular statement setting out the information sought by him on handguns stolen and licensed for the years 2004 to date when handguns began to be licensed again. The figures show 42 weapons classified as handguns have been stolen in the period in question. The current number of licensed handguns is approximately 1,800.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that stolen firearms are used in the course of the commission of other criminal offences. Since not all stolen firearms used in the commission of offences are recovered, obviously it is not possible to say precisely how many formerly legally held handguns have been used in the commission of criminal offences. However, common sense suggests they are stolen for a purpose that is likely to be either to trade in them or to use them in the commission of offences. As I said on Second Stage of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous) Provisions Bill last week, stolen handguns have, by definition, fallen into the hands of criminals, in the first instance at least the criminals who have stolen them.

I have consistently tried not to overstate the effect of a handgun ban on the activities of criminal gangs. That is why substantial resources, including those provided under Operation Anvil, have been devoted to trying to track down illegal guns. Approximately 2,400 illegally held weapons have been recovered as part of that operation. As I stated previously, we have increased the budget for the operation this year by €1 million. It would be folly to suppose that the issue of legally held handguns falling into the wrong hands can be ignored.

It has been made clear, including by me, that the reasons for a handgun ban are much broader that supposed. In particular, I have made it clear that I do not wish a handgun culture to take hold in Ireland. While I understand the representations that have been made to many Deputies, including me, arguing against my proposals, I note that the Chief Inspector of the Garda Síochána has endorsed my approach, drawing on her very considerable experience of policing in the United States. The Garda Commissioner has also done so on many occasions.

The tragic reality is that, in various parts of the world, even in recent times, there has been a series of mass killings involving legally held guns. This has forced other jurisdictions to review their laws on handguns. If such a dreadful event were to take place here, I have no doubt the debate on a handgun ban would be over. My approach is to adopt measures designed to prevent such a tragedy rather than respond belatedly in its aftermath.

Handguns licensed1

Handguns stolen2

1The number of handguns, recorded on PULSE, for which a firearm certificate has been issued for the years 2004 to 2009 (to 1 April 2009).

2Between 2004 and 2009, 42 handguns are recorded as stolen.

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