Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to bring proposals to Government to provide for tougher sentences for armed criminals caught in possession of firearms and more effective steps to control their availability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16297/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my recent reply to Question No. 30 of 5 May 2004 on this matter. The position remains unchanged.

As regards the issue of the availability of firearms, the Deputy will be aware that the holding of a firearm is strictly governed by the provisions of the Firearms Acts, 1925 to 2000. The Garda Síochána take all appropriate action to ensure that illegally held firearms are seized and that the holders of such firearms are proceeded against.