James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy may wish to note that the general legal framework for the operation of rifle or pistol clubs is contained in section 4A of the Firearms Act 1925.

The section requires rifle or pistol clubs to be authorised by the Garda Commissioner, on payment of the prescribed fee, for the purpose of using or storing any firearm or ammunition on the premises of or at the club in connection with target shooting.

In addition, the Firearms (Authorisation of rifle or pistol clubs) Regulations 2009 set out the requirements that must be met by any rifle or pistol club for the purposes of being authorised by the Garda Commissioner under section 4A of the Firearms Act 1925.

These include that the members must be of good character, that the club must have no fewer than five members who each hold a firearms certificate, a requirement for a written constitution and a requirement for a register of members.

In relation to the specific details provided by the Deputy, I am advised that the matter refers to a recent licenced shooting event for the purposes of vermin control on Coillte lands.

The licencing framework involved are not subject to the firearms legislation for which I have legal responsibility as Minister for Justice. They are a matter for Coillte, which operates under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine .