Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of seizures of illegal fireworks made in 2007 and to date in 2008 with the value of each consignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35407/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Explosives Act, 1875 provides for the control of the importation, manufacture, storage and sale of fireworks. The 1875 Act was amended by the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 which came into effect in August 2006, to provide for new offences governing the possession of illegally imported fireworks with intent to supply. They also provided for significantly increased penalties governing the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

Under the provisions, it is an offence: for any person to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence; to throw an ignited firework at any person or property; and to light unlicensed fireworks in a public place.

The penalty for such offences is now a fine of up to €10,000 or 5 years' imprisonment or both. The simple possession of fireworks without a licence is also an offence for which a person may be liable to a fine of up to €10,000.

Given the new offences and increased penalties that now exist, the enforcement capability of An Garda Síochána is greatly strengthened in combating the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks. In this regard, I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there were 64 seizures of fireworks recorded for 2007, worth an estimated €31,307 and there are 28 seizures recorded to date in 2008 worth almost €24,000. The Deputy will appreciate that it is the period around now that seizures would be expected to be at their highest. I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner in relation to intensifying Garda activity against fireworks and other anti-social behaviour during the Hallowe'en period. The Commissioner has assured me that activity is being undertaken.