Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)
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I raise the establishment of a new stakeholder forum for licensed firearms holders. Licensed firearms, namely, shotguns and rifles, have an important place in rural Ireland. Farmers and hunters use licensed firearms to control vermin and tackle predators, protect crops, livestock and poultry and protect habitats and biodiversity, including in cases of overpopulation of deer. In addition, game hunting is an important cultural and recreational pursuit in rural Ireland, evidenced by the enduring presence of more than 1,000 gun clubs in communities and parishes around Ireland, boasting approximately 25,000 members nationwide.

Just as licensed firearms use is important to the economic, social and cultural life of rural Ireland, licensed firearms users are important stakeholders who should have a voice when it comes to debates and discussions on firearms regulation in Ireland. Many of the rural groups representing licensed firearm users have expressed concerns about inconsistencies in the interpretation and implementation of firearms legislation. One would imagine these groups would be in a position to bring these concerns to the table and have discussions with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána but the problem is there is no table. This forum does not exist. There was previously a firearms consultative panel comprised of various firearms interest groups which the Department consulted with on various matters relating to firearms. However, this panel has not met since 2019, covering the lifetime of the previous Government, which is disappointing for those involved in this industry.

Twelve months ago, rural stakeholder groups were told by the Department that the need for more regular and structured engagement between policymakers and firearms users would be explored. A year later, there has still been zero progress on this. However, there has been progress by the rural stakeholder group. The firearms users group, which is a coalition comprising groups such as the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Irish Deer Commission and farm organisations, including the IFA, ICMSA, ICSA and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association, have come together to develop proposals, for example, a membership structure and terms of references for a new permanent stakeholders forum for licensed firearms holders. These proposals have been submitted to the Department of Justice, including to the new Minister. The groups are still awaiting a response.

I ask the Minister of State to commit today to meeting the firearms users group and the NARGC to discuss the proposals and to further commit to establishing a new stakeholder forum for licensed firearms holders. Rural firearms users should have a seat at the table and, in this case, the first job is to bring back the table and allow discussions to happen.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister would like to thank the Senator for raising this important matter. As she mentioned in her contribution, the responsibility for firearms policy and legislation rests with the Department of Justice. As issues arise or changes in EU legislation occur, the Minister and departmental officials engage with individual firearms representative organisations and other stakeholders as appropriate.

The Department of Justice also works closely with the firearms policy unit of An Garda Síochána, which is responsible for licensing firearms holders. By way of example, three regional firearms forums took place in February. They were held jointly by the Department and the firearms policy unit of An Garda Síochána. Around 20 firearms dealers attended each forum, at which updates on forthcoming legislation were presented, followed by a discussion and a question and answer session on all issues relevant to the dealers and their clients, who are the firearms holders. All three meetings were deemed to be very beneficial and informative for both the participants and the organisers.

Reform of the firearms licensing system has been under consideration by the Department of Justice for a number of years and extensive consultation has been undertaken on this issue. In 2022, a non-statutory advisory body - the firearms expert committee - was established to provide guidance on matters related to firearms licensing in the State. Following the delivery of the committee's report in March 2023, a consultation was launched online that May. This was to ensure that stakeholder organisations and their members could engage fully in this consultation process. As part of the process, the then Minister of State and departmental officials met with a number of firearms organisations.

Prior to all of this, a non-statutory forum called the firearms consultative panel, FCP, was established. The panel comprised various firearms interest groups, such as the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the Irish Country Sports Association, the National Association of Sporting Rifle and Pistol Clubs, and the IFA. The panel last met in 2019, when it is understood a breakdown in relations between some of the major firearms interest groups occurred. This meant that it was not possible for any further meetings to take place, as the Senator mentioned in her contribution, and, in effect, put the FCP into abeyance.

Notwithstanding these difficulties, it remains the intention of the Minister that any proposed changes to policy will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. In addition, if there are any changes to EU legislation, which we are obliged to implement, all stakeholders will be informed as a matter of course.

Eileen Lynch (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for that comprehensive response. I noted everything he said, but it still did not provide an answer as to when the stakeholder forum would actually be delivered. This has been promised since 2019. We are seeing changes in the legislation and rules regarding firearms, yet there is no consultation with those who are actively involved in this. It feels kind of remiss to note the firearms consultative panel, given that it has not met since 2019.

I take the Minister of State’s reply on board but I am seeking that the stakeholder forum be established within the next 12 months. It has been promised for the past six years. All these groups are seeking is that it be established and that proper engagement happen.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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While the licensing of firearms holders is not carried out by the Department of Justice, the Minister recognises and acknowledges the dedication and responsibility of firearm owners and also their contribution to conservation in rural communities.The Minister and the Department are committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders on any potential policy or legislative changes in these areas. I will take the opportunity on behalf of the Senator, as I have no doubt she will also do, to raise the points she has made about the lack of a table, which was a very good colloquial way of putting it, and put them directly to the Minister. I can clearly see that is necessary.

I again thank Senator Lynch for her contribution. I will pass her remarks directly to the Minister.