Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number and estimated value of illegal fireworks seized by the gardaí in September and October 2006; the number of such cases where prosecutions have been initiated; the number of cases where vehicles being used to transport illegal fireworks have been seized; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36241/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that there have been seven proceedings commenced relating to fireworks offences under the Explosives Act 1875, as amended by Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into effect on 1 August, 2006.

Under Operation Tombola there have been 64 seizures of fireworks recorded for the period September to October, 2006, with an estimated value of €113,511. Figures provided are provisional, operational and liable to change.

I am also informed that to date no vehicles used for the transportation of fireworks have been seized by An Garda Síochána.

Operation Tombola, the annual Garda operation to combat the illegal sale of fireworks, was launched in September this year. Under this Operation each Assistant Commissioner in conjunction with his or her senior management team, puts initiatives in place, based on information and intelligence available, in each Garda Division to prevent and detect the sale and organised importation of fireworks, particularly in the lead up to Halloween. All operational Gardaí, together with dedicated resources specifically deployed for this Operation, are tasked with preventing and detecting such offences.

I am confident that with the introduction of the new offences and new penalties the Garda operations will be even more successful in combating the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.