Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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575. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will review the criteria for the issue of firearms licensing. [44208/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that there are stringent controls under Irish legislation for the issuing of firearm certificates by An Garda Síochána and the conditions under which firearms can be held. There are severe penalties in place for firearm offences under the Firearms Acts.

A substantial review of firearms licensing, including consultation with the public, stakeholders and the relevant Oireachtas Committee, was undertaken in recent years. A number of measures identified as a result of this review are being progressed by my Department, including a ban on new licences for semi-automatic centre fire rifles. A recommendation to establish a Firearms Assessment and Appeals Authority, which would determine, on the basis of an objective assessment of all the issues, with safety of the public being paramount, whether particular forms of firearms may be licensed in the State, whether there should be any limit on the number of such firearms and what safety conditions might properly be applied to their licensing, is currently under examination by my Department.

The legislation regarding the regulation of firearm licensing continues to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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576. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of the current number of valid firearms licences including details on the types of firearms. [44209/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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577. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of the number of firearms licences issued and renewed in each of the years 2014 to 2020. [44210/21]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.

Unfortunately it was not possible to compile the figures in the format requested by the Deputy within the time-frame permitted. Once the figures are received from An Garda Síochána I will provide them directly to the Deputy.

The Deputy will wish to be aware that the Annual Reports into the operation of the Firearms Acts for years 2011 to 2019, which are available on the Department's website, contain some figures which will be of interest. The 2020 annual report has not yet been finalised but will be published in due course.