Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 471: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 14 November 2006, the reason a response has not been furnished; his views on the fact that such important figures are not easily available; when the figures will be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2960/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of firearms cards issued to members of An Garda Síochána (all ranks) for the year ending the 31st December 1997, 31st December 2002 and to the 13th November 2006 was as set out hereunder:

For security and operational reasons it is not Garda Policy to disclose the number of firearms cards issued on a Divisional basis. It is also important to note that the latest figures available for 2006 are not full year figures and therefore not directly comparable to the full year figures for 1997 and 2002.

The decrease in the number of Firearms Authorisation Cards was due to a policy of rationalisation in relation to the issue of same to uniform members of An Garda Síochána.

The number of Firearms Authorisation Cards on issue to members attached to Detective Branch and Specialist Units, who are engaged in the investigation of serious crime was not affected.

The number of Firearms Authorisation Cards on issue at any given time will depend on prevailing Operational requirements. Since the introduction of Operation Anvil, there has been an increase in the allocation of Firearms Authorisation Cards.