Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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484. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality where and when he will meet the representatives of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/23]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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As I previously advised the Deputy, 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 final meeting of the FEC took place on 3 March 2023 and I published the final report 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.

On the, 3 May 2023, I launched the FEC consultation online on Gov.ie.

The online consultation can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/411f7-consultation-on-the-recommendations-of-the-reports-of-the-firearms-expert-committee/. I would encourage as many people and organisations as possible to engage with this survey in order to make their views known.

In addition to this, I have also sought written submissions on the recommendations of the FEC from a range of stakeholder organisations and intend to meet with such groups, having received their written submissions and following the conclusion of the wider public consultation, which runs until 2 June. This will ensure that stakeholder organisations can engage fully in this consultation. I have written to the organisation referred to by the Deputy as part of this process and I am looking forward to receiving their submission in due course and to then arranging to meet with them to discuss it.