Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 656: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to deal with the huge problem of illegal fireworks, attacks on innocent persons and the disruption around Halloween. [29126/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am very much aware of the dangers posed by the use of illegal fireworks and of the distress they cause to people, particularly at this time of year. Consequently, 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 Explosives Act 1875 which governs fireworks. It is already clear from the submissions received to date 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 which 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.

The Garda authorities make every effort to identify persons involved in the illegal importation and sale of all types of fireworks. Where necessary specific policing plans are put in place in areas where particular problems arise. These plans include intelligence gathering on known dealers and suppliers and once identified putting plans in place to arrest them and seize their stocks of illegal fireworks. Each year leading up to Hallow'een special efforts are made to combat the illegal importation of fireworks. This year an intelligence-led operation called Operation Tombola, which aims to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks, has been put in place by the Garda Commissioner. In this context chief superintendents throughout the country have been instructed to introduce measures appropriate to their respective areas of responsibility, with particular emphasis on Garda divisions in the Dublin metropolitan region and in border regions. The operation, while being intelligence driven, is coupled with appropriate high visibility policing activities.