Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convictions which have been secured in relation to fireworks in the past two years under the Explosives Act 1875. [35203/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The number of convictions secured in the past two years under the Explosives Act 1875 is being compiled by the Garda authorities. The figure will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Fiona O'Malley (Dún Laoghaire, Progressive Democrats)
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Question 478: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the review of the Explosives Act 1875; if he intends to increase penalties in relation to the illegal use and importation of fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35204/05]

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 license from me. It is long-standing policy to only grant importation licences 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. I also commissioned research into the public's attitude to fireworks. From both the consultation process and the research it is clear that the public supports the thrust of current policy. It is also clear that there is a general acknowledgement of the need to strengthen the enforcement provisions in the 1875 Act. Accordingly, I now 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 significantly increase penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.