Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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84. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to reform the firearms legislation; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns held by those who use firearms for sport with regard to this reform; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44717/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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In light of public safety concernshighlighted by An Garda Síochána and difficulties in the interpretation of the legislation expressed by members of the judiciary, a joint Department of Justice and Equality/An Garda Síochána Working Group was established by my Department to review firearms licensing. The Report of this Working Group was published on 13 November and submissionson the Report were originally sought from stakeholders andthe public during a one month consultation period until 15 December. I have agreed to a request to extend the deadline for receipt of submissions to 31 January 2015 in order to ensure all interest groups get the opportunity to make submissions.

This process gives individuals and groups an opportunity to contribute to the development of firearms policy and legislation and will enable consideration to be given to the future direction of such legislation. I am aware of concerns raised by a coalition of shooting groups and I hope to receive submissions from these groups and a broad range of people with an interest in firearms licensing.

I will not make any final decisions until I have had an opportunity to consider all the submissions which have been made and I have met the key stakeholders, including the organisations who represent those who use firearms for sporting purposes.