Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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1625. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the additional steps or measures being taken to reduce the prevalence and circulation of illegal fireworks and bangers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45828/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public.

Anyone importing or selling fireworks of any kind must have a licence, and licences are only issued if the fireworks are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.

The penalties for importing, selling or using unlicensed fireworks are significant and the Criminal Justice Act 2006, specifically Part 6, grants members of An Garda Síochána the power to arrest individuals found with unlicensed fireworks and impose significant penalties, including fines up to €10,000 or up to five years' imprisonment for possession with intent to sell or supply, or for igniting them.

These penalties, which can also apply to those convicted or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property, demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.

My Department also plays a significant role through its annual Fireworks Awareness Raising Campaign in informing the public about the serious dangers associated with fireworks and the penalties that people can face for selling or using illegal fireworks.

The use of illegal fireworks is of serious concern in terms of anti-social behaviour and ensuring the wellbeing of our communities, but particularly of the health and safety of children, teenagers and older or more vulnerable people.

Equally, their effect on animals, whether it be pets or working animals, is an issue that has been repeatedly highlighted in recent years.

In addition to the awareness raising work carried out by my Department in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána through Operation Tombola to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

Operation Tombola is a nationwide policing plan that is focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period. Operation Tombola addresses all aspects associated with the policing of the Halloween period each year.

The operation combats the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks, through intelligence-led operations, visits to local car boot sales, searches and seizures of fireworks, as well as focusing on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources.

Over the past decade, gardaí have carried out 1,218 fireworks seizures under Operation Tombola, with a value of €225,000. These seizures have undoubtedly contributed to reducing harm associated with the illegal use of fireworks.

A key component of Operation Tombola is active engagement with local authorities and partner agencies in each Garda division, and gardaí collaborate closely with these stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to preventing anti-social behaviour during the Halloween period.