Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licences for the importation of fireworks issued in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and to date in 2007; if he is satisfied with the criteria for the importation and possession of fireworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25535/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In accordance with the Explosives Act, 1875, fireworks are deemed to be explosives. Accordingly, fireworks may not be imported into the State except under an importation licence granted by my Department. It is a long standing policy that these licences are granted only for organised displays conducted by competent and professional operators.

I am fully satisfied that the current restrictive policy for the granting of importation licences for fireworks and the criteria for same goes a long way towards protecting the public from the inherent dangers of fireworks while at the same time ensuring that they are not deprived of the spectacle of fireworks.

The following table outlines the number of importation licences issued in recent years.