Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 34: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of firearms licences issued by An Garda Síochána in 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012; the individual licence fee in each of those years and the total sum raised on an annual basis; the expected total in 2012; his views on whether the number of firearms in circulation and that the licence fee is of a sufficient amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29550/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I can inform the Deputy that a new system for firearms licensing commenced on the 1st of August, 2009 with the commencement of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. This radically changed the manner in which firearms are now licensed in the State. Included in these changes was the introduction of three year Firearm Certificates, with a standard fee of €80 for 3 years, and the outsourcing by the Gardai of the collection of fees to An Post. The table below shows the number of Firearm Certificates issued for the years 2009/2010, 2011, and to date in 2012 (up to 11/06/12). The figures for 2009 and 2010 are combined as new, three year certificates were issued from August 2009 onwards.

Table: Number of certificates issued

(As firearms certs are now issued on a three year cycle, yearly figures no longer reflect the numbers of certs/ licences in existence in the State in that year).

The three year fee for a standard Firearms Certificate was set in 2009 at €80 and like all Government fees charged for services they are subject to review, from time to time. The amount generated in respect of firearm certificates fees for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and to date in 2012 is as follows:

In the revised 2012 Estimates and the related budget provision, the projected revenue for 2012 for licence fees is €1,607,000.

The Deputy has also asked for my views regarding the number of firearms in circulation. Each application for a firearms certificate is considered on its own merits under the Firearms Acts. The senior Garda officers of each District or Division are by law the designated persons for deciding on firearms applications. This is an independent function carried out by them and they must consider a wide range of factors before granting any certificate. The operation of the firearms licensing system is kept under review and, as I have informed the House previously, my primary concern is public safety.