Written answers

Wednesday, 26 November 2008

Department of Defence

Control of Firearms

10:00 pm

Photo of Thomas ByrneThomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Defence if any weapons handed in by members of the public under the Firearms (Dangerous Weapons) Order, 1972 are held in storage by the Defence Forces; if so when these were handed in; the number, nature and type of weapons and his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42650/08]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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An Garda Síochána have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána), which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations and the provision of certain security escorts.

Under the Firearms (Dangerous Weapons) Order, 1972, weapons were surrendered to An Garda Síochána. Some 5,000 weapons are held in storage by the Defence Forces in the Eastern, Southern and Western Brigades. The weapons are retained in optimum storage conditions and as such most of the weapons will be in a similar condition to when they were handed in originally. The weapons range in condition from almost beyond economic repair to pristine condition. Any future decisions regarding these weapons is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

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