Written answers
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Firearms Licences
5:00 pm
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, type and calibre of firearms for which licences have been issued each year for the past five years up to 17 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/08]
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that an analysis completed 9 October 2008 shows the figures, by type, for licensed firearms to be:
| TYPE | 2007/08 | 2006/07 | 2005/06 | 2004/05 | 2003/04 |
| Shotgun | 177,455 | 174,832 | 171,916 | 173,556 | 170,236 |
| Rifle | 56,689 | 50,986 | 48,536 | 47,596 | 44,967 |
| Crossbow | 79 | 76 | 72 | 76 | 73 |
| Pistol | 1,551 | 1,125 | 751 | 289 | 1 |
| Revolver | 284 | 214 | 131 | 58 | 0 |
| Other | 62 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 27 |
| Total | 233,120 | 227,287 | 221,449 | 221,609 | 215,304 |
The firearms licensing year is from 1 August to 31 July of the following year. To additionally analyse the data by calibre would involve considerable Garda time and resources. I have already indicated my concern at the increase in the number of handguns being licensed and I have informed the house previously, a review of firearms legislation is being finalised at present in my Department.
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