Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 456: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on evidence furnished at a recent High Court case (details supplied); the actions he proposes to take regarding the operation of the current firearms licensing system as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16496/12]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 473: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has considered a matter (details supplied) regarding firearms licensing. [16816/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 473 together.

I take it the Deputies are referring to a recent High Court case involving Judicial Reviews of decisions by Chief Superintendents in firearms cases. What was at issue were decisions by Chief Superintendents to refuse applications for licences for high calibre handguns. That case was settled with no admission of wrongdoing on the part of the State but with an undertaking to consider applications afresh and give reasons to applicants where applications are turned down.

In an interim report which I received from the Garda Commissioner he indicated that he was reviewing certain aspects of the operation of the firearms licensing system and I await a further report from him.

Tragically, the House will have been reminded in recent weeks of the dangers which licensed firearms can pose for members of An Garda Síochána and others and of the dangers of firearms generally. For my part, I am determined to ensure that in the operation of the firearms licensing system, the question of public safety is paramount.