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

There are very severe penalties in place for firearm offences under the Firearms Acts 1925 to 2009. A person possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life is liable to a minimum of ten years imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment and a fine at the discretion of the court. The court has some discretion in applying these minimum sentences in the case of a first offence, depending on the circumstances concerned, but not in the case of a second or subsequent offence. This and other mandatory minimum sentences for firearms offences were introduced on foot of concerns regarding the impact this type of offence had on society, on individuals and on communities.

I want to put on record that much progress has made in tackling gun crime in Ireland and the statistics are as follows. The number of offences relating to the possession and discharge of a firearm fell by 52%, from 745 in 2005 to 356 in 2015, while incidents of assault, burglary, robbery and murder involving a firearm are down 28%, from 455 to 329. Of course, if one is the person being assaulted in this way, one case is one too many, which I accept. However, the sentencing regime is quite tough and I am not sure there is scope for any further strengthening, although I am happy to consider any specific suggestions the Deputy may have.

Gun crime must be tackled aggressively by An Garda Síochána and this is being done through a range of targeted and intelligence-based operations, which often disrupt incidents and ensure we detect and prosecute those involved.

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