Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Questions No. 787 of 17 June 2008 and No. 300 of 7 October 2008, when the information sought will be forthcoming; the reasons for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39257/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I refer further to your Parliamentary Questions No. 787 of Tuesday 17 June, 2008 and No. 300 of Tuesday 7 October, 2008 with regard to licensed firearms. The information sought was not readily available and took time to be compiled.

The Garda Authorities now inform me that the figures, by type, for licensed firearms are as follows:

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.

The Deputy will be aware that I have already indicated my concern at the increase in the number of handguns being licensed and, as I have informed the house previously, a review of firearms legislation is being finalised at present in my Department in consultation with An Garda Síochána. I intend that proposals emerging from it will be included in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is under preparation at present.