Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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463. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the matter (details supplied) regarding firearms licensing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11415/15]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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464. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding illegal weapons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11416/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 464 together.

Regarding illegal weapons, it is impossible to accurately state how many illegal firearms are currently in the hands of criminals in the State. An Garda Síochána tackles the issue of illegal firearms on a daily basis at both local and national levels and in recent weeks alone have successfully removed a number of illegal firearms from criminal hands in ongoing operations throughout the country.

Gardaí tackle the issue of illegal firearms through a range of targeted and intelligence based operations, often disrupting and preventing incidents, as well as detecting and prosecuting those involved. The details of intelligence based operations targeting illegal firearms cannot be made public for operational reasons.

Heavy penalties are provided for weapons offences in our criminal law and mandatory minimum penalties have been introduced for certain firearms offences. The considerable powers already available to Gardaí have been supplemented further by the DNA Database legislation enacted last year, which provides for the establishment of a Database which will have the capacity to link suspects to unsolved crimes using forensic evidence, and will greatly assist Gardaí in investigating a whole range of serious offences.

The various Garda operations which target armed and organised criminals are complemented and supported by Garda engagement with local communities, including a range of community local fora, to address local concerns relating to crime, community safety and the impact of organised crime on community life.

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for a report in relation to your question on firearms certificates and the application process for same. I will write to the Deputy as soon as I have further information.