Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 64: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that were taken in relation to offences committed with fireworks in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of convictions and the penalties imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34913/06]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 65: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions that were taken in relation to the illegal importation of fireworks in each of the years 1997 to date in 2006; the number of convictions and the penalties imposed for each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34914/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 2000 and 2006 there have been 13 proceedings commenced, with no convictions recorded, for offences under the Explosives Act, 1875 relating to fireworks.

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that from 2000 to date in 2006 there have been 8 proceedings commenced, with no convictions recorded, for offences contrary to the Explosives Act, 1875 relating to the possession of fireworks without having an importation licence.

Figures in relation to 2006 are provisional, operational and liable to change. The Explosives Act, 1875 has been amended by Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into effect on 1 August, 2006.

Statistics prior to 2000 are not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.