Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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396. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when he will consult with the members of two groups (details supplied) who are frustrated by a lack of engagement in relation to the review of firearms legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/23]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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397. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when he intends to meet with stakeholders following the report of the Firearms Expert Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19059/23]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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400. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will engage with stakeholder groups (details supplied) concerning the Firearms Expert Committee: First Report. [19080/23]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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429. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19574/23]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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430. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 164 of 29 March 2023, when he will make the reports by the Firearms Expect Committee available in full; when his Department will convene a broader consultation process with firearms stakeholders to address any recommended policy or legislative changes resulting from the committee’s final report and recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19577/23]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 396, 397, 400, 426, 429 and 430 together.

I can advise the Deputies that I established the Firearms Expert Committee (FEC) on a non-statutory basis with representation from stakeholders, my Department and An Garda Síochána.

The purpose of the FEC was to serve in an advisory capacity to me as Minister, providing guidance on a wide range of matters related to firearms licensing in the State. In line with its comprehensive terms of reference, which were made publicly available, the FEC was tasked with making recommendations on a range of firearms matters for my subsequent consideration, including carrying out an assessment of all types of firearms to determine their current use under the existing licensing system and their suitability for future licensing.

The Deputy may wish to know that the final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March 2023, and that I received the final reports from the FEC which I published on Friday, 31 March 2023 on Gov.ie.

As I have emphasised throughout the process, any proposed changes to policy or legislation arising from any of the recommendations of the FEC will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. Details of the consultation process are being finalised and will be publicised shortly. When this happens I will ensure that these details are communicated to stakeholder organisations so that they, and their members, can engage fully in the consultations. I would also encourage as many people and organisations as possible to engage with this process to make their views known.