Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the need to legalise and regularise the use of fireworks in order to ensure a safer use of these devices than is currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27513/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Explosives Act 1875 provides for the control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks and, under the Act, any person wishing to import fireworks into the State must first obtain an importation licence from me. It is long-standing policy to grant importation licences only for organised fireworks displays conducted by professional and experienced operators and not to allow the importation of fireworks for sale to the general public.

Last February, I published a fireworks policy consultation document and initiated a process of consultation with a view to bringing forward proposals for amending and strengthening the provisions in the 1875 Act. My Department has received a wide range of submissions in response to the consultation document which are being examined.

It is already clear, from the submissions received, that, among the options for change outlined in the consultation document, there is a general acknowledgement of the need to strengthen the enforcement provisions in the 1875 Act. Accordingly, I propose to take the opportunity presented by the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, which is before the House, to bring forward, on Committee Stage of that Bill, amendments that will provide for new offences governing the misuse of fireworks in public places and an offence of possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. I also propose to increase significantly penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.