Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 410: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the contacts he has had with the UK Home Secretary, Mr. David Blunkett MP and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr. Paul Murphy MP, in regard to the illegal import of vast quantities of fireworks into the State and the advertising of these illegal products here. [26867/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have had no specific contacts with the UK Home Secretary, Mr. David Blunkett MP, and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr. Paul Murphy, in regard to the matter raised by him.

With regard to the advertising of fireworks, under the provisions of the Explosives Act 1875, fireworks are deemed to be explosives. Accordingly, they may be imported into the State only under an importation licence granted by my Department. It is a long-standing policy that these licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by professional and experienced operators and in accordance with agreed safety procedures. It is not illegal to advertise in this jurisdiction for goods which may be legally sold in another member state of the EU. However, an importation licence is required to bring fireworks into the State.