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

It would be premature to suggest that. A process has been set up and we have a report which will be examined by the justice committee. The Deputy will have the opportunity to make those points at the committee.

I welcome the Deputy’s support for the review. One of my predecessors in office, Dermot Ahern, stated in 2009 during the debate when the licensing system was last amended that he was determined to ensure a gun culture would not be allowed to form in this State. He also said he would, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner, keep the situation on firearms licensing under review in the interests of public safety. Obviously, I want the best outcome possible in the interests of public safety but also very much in the interests of those representative groups for shooting clubs and shooting sportsmen.

As I stated, 94% of licensed firearms are not included in the report’s recommendations. We are looking at the other 6% about which there are different views. An Garda Síochána has made presentations to the committee on this. The statistics the Garda used can be questioned, if the Deputy has concerns about the quality of research in the report. No decision has been taken yet. I want to ensure this gets a thorough airing.

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