Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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347. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are plans with regard to the current licensing system for firearms (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17120/22]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the new Justice Plan 2022 contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation.

Within the plan, Action 34.3 outlines a commitment to identify all outstanding issues requiring overdue reform in the management and processing of firearms licensing, register of firearms dealers and inspections. It also commits to the production of a roadmap for addressing issues identified, including a new legislative framework.

I am pleased to report that work in regard to this action is progressing well. I anticipate that by the second quarter of this year, a determination will be made in terms of the medium term policy and legislative changes required, as well as a timeline agreed for the further development of legislation.

I have instructed a delivery date for the relevant roadmap to be completed by the end of this year.

While I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review, I can advise that in advance of the finalisation of any new or amending measure, I will of course be consulting with all relevant stakeholders in due course and hope to be in a position to provide greater detail in relation to all of this work as the review progresses.

This review is proceeding in tandem with plans to establish a Firearms Expert Committee, on a non-statutory basis, which it is intended will bring forward recommendations on which type of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes. An invitation for expressions of interest in relation to the membership of this Committee issued today and details may be found through: www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/EoI_Firearms_Expert_Committee.