James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the issuing authority for firearms certificates is An Garda Síochána.

The State currently has stringent legislative controls for the issuing of firearm certificates and the conditions under which firearms can be held. The Firearms Acts also provide for severe penalties for offences outlined therein.

With the safety of our community in mind, the Government continues to keep firearms issues under review. My Department’s new Justice Plan, 2022, contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation. My Department will in due consult with all relevant stakeholders and this review will proceed in tandem with the establishment of a non-statutory Firearms Expert Committee which will bring forward recommendations on which type of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes.