Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is correct to state there are certain offences associated with firearms which carry very serious sentences, such as the ones she has identified. However, there are other offences which do not carry the same sentence, such as reckless discharge of a firearm or possession of a firearm or ammunition in suspicious circumstances. We need to have a codified and consistent approach to offences with the use of firearms.

As I mentioned at the outset, when somebody gets involved with possession of a firearm for the purpose of illegal activity, there is no doubt but that the person is going to be involved in predetermined criminal activity. We need to send out a message that the use of firearms in criminal activity is an offence which carries very special and serious penalties. It is for that reason we should look again at this issue. It is not just the Minister's responsibility to introduce new laws, which is something any member of the House can do. However, I believe the other offences in association with the use of a firearm need to be strengthened so, for example, persons who are holding onto a firearm or minding a firearm, or using a firearm for activities which they may not think are going to result in the death of an individual, are aware there are very serious criminal sanctions. It is simply unacceptable for people in this society to have firearms for illegal activity. We do not want to find ourselves in a situation where it becomes acceptable over time. We need to stamp down on it promptly.

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