Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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69. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Operation Tombola will run prior to Halloween 2022; the way in which her Department plans to tackle anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Halloween; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51371/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Fireworks, because they are explosives, are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law.

Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.

Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. An example of the penalties faced include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

As the Deputy has noted, each year in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, under what is known as Operation Tombola. This year is no different and I have been advised by the Garda Commissioner that Operation Tombola commenced on 01 October.

I am further advised that, through Operation Tombola, each Regional Assistant Commissioner ensures that appropriate measures are put in place in each Division, to prevent and detect the organised importation for sale of fireworks in the lead up to Halloween.

An Garda Síochána puts in place a range of measures to combat the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks, through intelligence led operations, visits to local car boot sales, searches and seizures of fireworks. They also liaise with local authorities and Fire Services, and identify and remove stockpiles of bonfire material and abandoned vehicles from locations.

An Garda Síochána also promote awareness of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks and unsupervised bonfires through the media, social media, school visits and information leaflet distribution by the Crime Prevention Officer and members generally. They conduct high visibility policing of Halloween night celebrations, i.e. beat, bike and mobile patrols, thus preventing damage to property, injury, trauma for the vulnerable and the elderly, and general anti-social behaviour.

I am also advised by the Commissioner that policing plans under the auspices of Operation Tombola include an overt uniform presence and covert element where appropriate. Local Garda management are engaged with relevant stakeholders, including the local authorities, to identify, co-ordinate and implement an appropriate multi-agency strategy for the busy Halloween period.

Operation Tombola also focuses on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources, including Garda Public Order Units where appropriate, to augment local plans.

I am very aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off cause, in particular, our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on pets and other animals and livestock.

That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires.

Earlier this month, I launched this year's awareness raising campaign urging against the misuse of fireworks in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) and Dublin Fire Brigade .

This year’s campaign emphasises the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on communities and both wild and domestic animals. Highlighting the damaging and life changing consequences these dangers can pose, not only to those who directly use illegal fireworks, but also innocent bystanders to whom the improper use of fireworks can cause serious distress and injury, the campaign urges people to consider those who are indirectly impacted by their actions over this Halloween period. The campaign also seeks to remind the public of the serious penalties that can be imposed for the misuse of illegal fireworks.

To support the campaign and increase our reach my Department have also been in touch with local authorities and frontline services across the country, the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Professional Development Service for Teachers, and SpunOut – a dedicated youth information provider, so that the campaigning messaging is shared with the widest possible audience.

The campaign messaging is also featured on local radio stations across the country, as well as across social media, YouTube and Spotify. As always, this messaging will continue to be pushed out across a number of mediums including social media on a regular basis until early November.