Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following public safety concerns raised by An Garda Síochána about specific categories of firearms, a joint Department and Garda Síochána working group was established to examine this issue in October 2013. Its report was published on 13 November.

The report outlined the views expressed by An Garda Síochána that centre-fire handguns are primarily designed to kill human beings. Accordingly, they pose an unacceptable risk to society and should no longer be licensed in this jurisdiction. There are similar concerns about non-Olympic type .22 calibre handguns, centre-fire semi-automatic rifles and shotguns capable of holding more than three rounds. Many of these type of firearms have been used either in murders, attempted murders or gangland shootings in this jurisdiction, as well as in mass shootings in other jurisdictions. On this basis, the working group recommended the prohibition of these firearms.

These make up a very small proportion of all licensed firearms, however. It is important to note a wide range of firearms, making up at least 94% of all currently licensed firearms, will not be affected by the proposed change. Again, I must emphasise this is a report and no decision has been taken on its recommendations yet. The firearms not affected include shotguns holding not more than three rounds, hunting style rifles, Olympic standard handguns etc. This point will be of particular reassurance to many of those in agriculture and rural communities, as well as hunting and sporting interests.

The report also referred to difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the Judiciary.

With respect to the report's recommendations on proposed changes and restrictions, I have not reached any final conclusions. I repeat my commitment I will not make any final decisions until I have had the opportunity to consider all the submissions made and met the key stakeholders, including the organisations that represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes.

The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality sought submissions on the report and will hold hearings on this. The deadline for receipt of submissions by my Department is 31 January 2015. I extended this when I was contacted by the stakeholders who expressed concerns about the report's recommendations. No decision has yet been made and a consultation process is under way.

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