Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

We should discuss amendments Nos. 9 and 10 in conjunction with amendments Nos. 7 and 8 because they are all related. I would be inclined to withdraw my amendments if I could be confident that the proposed annual review of the operation of this legislation will deal with more than just the number and classes of certificates. Such a review should also allow for examination of any issues arising from new guidelines or draft orders issued by the Minister.

I have proposed that draft orders and draft guidelines be examined in committee. Those involved in these pursuits should be allowed an opportunity to influence developments or at least to have their say in terms of what changes are coming in future. It is a complex area and it makes sense that we should take into account practical advice as to whether particular guidelines or orders will be feasible in practice. In the case of previous legislation, for example, we saw that one of the provisions, relating to refilling bullets and the use of home-made bullets, was never triggered because it was clearly impractical.

The growing popularity of activities such as paintballing and airsoft makes them a significant tourist attraction. Those operations have invested substantial sums in insuring their properties and businesses and investing in equipment. The groups I met, which I presume also lobbied other Members, were not satisfied with the time they had to prepare for these measures and to put forward their suggestions on the operation of gun licensing. The Minister has in the main produced a good Bill, but I am concerned that orders and guidelines he issues in future may not receive the detailed scrutiny they deserve before being implemented.

See this speech in context