John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)

Licensed firearms, namely shotguns and rifles, have an important place in rural Ireland from their use in controlling vermin and predators to their use in protecting crops, livestock and poultry. Many of the groups representing licensed firearms users have expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms legislation. In 2016 a firearms consultative panel was established which brought together a number of groups including the Irish Farmers Association and the National Association of Regional Game Councils, but this panel has not met since 2019. It is my understanding that the Department is currently holding a series of meetings with individuals and experts. This is not the permanent forum for national representative groups that the leading organisations want. Will the Government consider reinstating the permanent forum for national representative groups advocating on behalf of licensed firearms users?

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