John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 381: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28399/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Firearms Act 1925, as amended, provides that any person wishing to possess, use or carry a firearm or ammunition must, with certain limited exemptions, obtain a firearms certificate from a garda superintendent. Included among the exemptions from the requirement to hold a firearms certificate are persons who are members of an authorised gun club while engaged, as such a member, in a competition or target practice at an authorised range. For this exception to apply, both the club and the range must be authorised.

The Act provides that gun clubs and ranges may be authorised by a garda superintendent. However, a superintendent shall not grant such an authorisation unless he is satisfied that the possession, use or carriage of firearms in pursuance of such authorisation will not endanger public safety or the peace. In so far as the grant of an authorisation for a gun club or range is concerned, the courts have ruled that the superintendent is persona designate in relation to such decisions and cannot be fettered in any way. Accordingly, any person wishing to obtain such authorisation should apply to their local Garda superintendent.