Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1666. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his position on the detailed proposal from the Firearms User Group (details supplied); and when he will meet directly with the group to discuss their proposal.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21298/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Responsibility for firearms policy and legislation rests with my Department. As issues arise or changes in EU legislation occur, we engage with, consult or inform, as appropriate, individual firearms representative organisations and other stakeholders.

My Department also works closely with the Firearms Policy Unit of An Garda Síochána, who are responsible for licensing firearm holders.

The Firearms Expert Committee (FEC), a non-statutory advisory body, was established in 2022 to provide guidance on matters related to firearms licensing in the State. The FEC was tasked with reporting on and and setting out recommendations on a range of firearms matters,. This included 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. Its final reports were published in March 2023 alongside the minutes of each in-person meeting.

Following the delivery of the FEC’s reports, an FEC consultation was launched online in May 2023. This was to ensure that stakeholder organisations, and their members, could engage fully in this consultation process. As part of the consultation process the then Minister of State and Department officials held meetings with a number of groups, including the Firearms User Group, to ensure the views of their members were included.

It is my intention, along with Minister of State Collins, to give early consideration to the FEC's reports and the outcomes of the consultation process.

I also acknowledge the need for more regular and structured engagement between policymakers and firearms users and this issue is being explored by my officials. In the meantime, any proposed changes to policy will be subject to prior consultation with firearms stakeholders. Where changes are required arising out of EU legislation, which we are obliged to implement, all stakeholders will be informed.