Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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674. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce regulations for the storage of ammunition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36492/19]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am pleased to confirm for the Deputy that a number of regulations are already in place in relation to storage of firearms and ammunition in Ireland.

The Firearms (Secure Accommodation) Regulations 2009 (SI No. 307 of 2009) introduced regulations governing the secure storage of firearms in the home.  These regulations set out the minimum security standards in relation to the provision of secure accommodation for relevant firearms.

The Firearms (Storage of Firearms and Ammunition by Firearms Dealers) Regulations 2017 (SI No. 646 of 2017) set out minimum standards for the safe and secure storage of firearms and ammunition in the premises of firearms dealers. The different categories of firearms dealers are recognised and the regulations scale the requirements depending on the quantities of ammunition and firearms being stored.

Most recently, the European Communities (Acquisition and Possession of Weapons and Ammunition) Regulations 2019 (SI No. 420 of 2019) came into effect on 1 September 2019. These regulations give effect in national law to EU Directive 2017/953.  Among other provisions, requirements are set out in relation to the storage of ammunition for relevant firearms. The regulations provide that when the relevant firearm is not in use, the ammunition for it must be stored in a locked receptacle that is separate from any firearm in which that ammunition is capable of being used.  The regulation also provides that when a relevant firearm or ammunition is being transported, the firearm must be concealed from view and stored separately from the ammunition, and that the ammunition must be stored in a locked receptacle.