Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

People lobbied the Deputy, as they did Members on my side of the House with whom I had a good conversation the other night. When I explained the reality of dynamic practical shooting, they fully accepted the position. It is as I said and nothing else. As people knew this legislation was coming up, they tended to ease off. There is a desire to operate on that basis and I cannot concede on the issue. As I said, I do not wish to move against those persons who are genuine in their participation in a sport, not something which, in certain circumstances, is operated as a business in terms of training in the use of very serious weapons. I suggest Deputy Flanagan does not understand what is involved and is taking on board exactly what people are telling him.

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